Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
Boycom Cablevision Inc. was awarded a Missouri Broadband Grant to construct broadband internet and voice services in rural, underserved areas of Ripley County.
The project was awarded $162,500 in a 50-50 match grant to serve 1,635 households, businesses and community institutions in and around Doniphan at speeds up to 100 Mbps with the capability to expand future speeds to 500 Mbps.
"We think the state of Missouri has invested wisely in Ripley County," said Patricia Boyers, president of Boycom.
It was one of 16 broadband development projects that received a total of $3.05 million through the state of Missouri's grant program Friday.
“Broadband brings so many new opportunities for rural economies," Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement. “From farming and business to education and health care, high speed internet is essential infrastructure in the modern economy, especially during these challenging times.”
With schools and businesses closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, more people are in need of broadband internet access.
Boyers said their network has seen a 35-40% increase in usage over the past few weeks.
Steve Boyers, chairman of the board for Boycom, said the company was already working on an upgrade to its system in the Poplar Bluff and Wappapello area to increase speeds.
Boycom provides services in Butler, Wayne, Carter and Ripley counties.
The Missouri Broadband Grant Program was created in 2018 to provide state funds that help providers, communities, counties and regions invest in building broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the state. In 2019, the legislature appropriated $5 million in funding.
“It is crucial that Missourians have an opportunity to get connected,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said in a statement. “During a time in which many citizens have been instructed to stay home, reliable internet access is critical to meet needs for education, telemedicine, telecommuting, and overall quality of life.”
The Missouri Supreme Court extended a statewide suspension of most in-person proceedings through May 15 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Court's order authorizes local courts to determine how best to conduct business.
"Judges and courts have been directed by prior order of this Court to exercise their discretion to conduct proceedings by teleconferencing, video conferencing or other available technology," the order signed by Chief Justice George Draper states.
"This suspension does not pertain to any constitutional or statutory provision governing a defendant's right to be present at a proceeding."
The Supreme Court building will be open for essential business only and oral arguments scheduled for April and May will be held remotely.
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A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:
• Butler County announces 21st positive test • Courthouse locked, but technology allows Carter County courts to continue • AWA to reopen pet food pantry Sunday
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A look at three stories from the Associated Press:
• 'LIBERATE!': Trump goads states to lift virus restrictions • Virus forced schools online, but many students didn't follow • Protesters push back on stay-at-home orders Latest coverage from AP.
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As of 2 p.m. Friday, April 17:
US DEATHS: 28,998 Mo. Deaths: 165 (+13) Mo. Cases: 5,283 (+172)
Cases by area county: Butler County: 21 Carter: 3 (1 death) Dunklin: 18 (1 death) Stoddard: 13 Ripley: 3 Reynolds: 2 Wayne: 0 Perry: 39 Cape: 35 (1 death) Scott: 42 St. Francois: 24 (1 death) New Madrid: 8 Pemiscot: 11 Bollinger: 3 Madison: 1
Clay, Ark.: 1
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Cloth face coverings are recommended for everyone by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Do not use surgical masks or N95 masks. Those are critical supplies needed for health care workers and first responders.
Be sure that the face covering "fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape." (CDC)
Instructions for sewn cloth face coverings can be found here.
Don't know how to sew? Click here to watch a short video on how to make a face covering.
To donate masks in Butler County, text or call 573-714-4197. Someone will come pick up the masks and distribute them where needed.
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From the AP: For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Here are the symptoms of the virus compared with the common flu.
One of the best ways to prevent spread of the virus is washing your hands with soap and water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends first washing with warm or cold water and then lathering soap for 20 seconds to get it on the backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails before rinsing off.
You should wash your phone, too. Here’s how.
The Missouri coronavirus information hotline is 877-435-8411.
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