Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — For the last several days, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has been working collaboratively with the Missouri Department of Health and the health departments in surrounding counties after two patients presented on separate accounts to its emergency room...

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Monday afternoon, there are 1,031 confirmed COVD-19 cases in Missouri with 13 deaths. According to those numbers, locally, there are 13 cases in Cape County, five cases in Scott County, six in Dunklin County, two in Stoddard County, two in Pemiscot County, and none so far in New Madrid County or Mississippi County...

BLOOMFIELD — The Stoddard County Commission has drafted a stay-at-home order for the county effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 10 a.m. Monday, three cases of the virus had been reported by the Stoddard County Health Department, administrator Ben Godwin told the commissioners during a conference call...

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — As the coronavirus rages across the United States, mainly in large urban areas, more than a third of U.S. counties have yet to report a single positive test result for COVID-19 infections, an analysis by The Associated Press shows...

SIKESTON — Some area school districts announced on Friday the possibility of returning to school as early as April 14 but noted the issue will be re-evaluated on April 6. “The Scott-Mississippi County Area School Superintendents have met and made the decision to extend the school closure up to and including April 13,” said Dr. ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bracing the nation for a grim death toll, President Donald Trump on Sunday extended the voluntary national shutdown for a month, bowing to public-health experts who told him the coronavirus pandemic could claim over 100,000 lives in the U.S., perhaps significantly more, if not enough is done to fight it...

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The death of a person in St. Charles County from the coronavirus is the 10th in Missouri, and as the number of confirmed cases escalates, some of the state's biggest hospitals are being forced to "examine what all our options are" to maintain enough protective equipment...

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The pace was steady. Hands worked rapidly making sandwiches, packing paper bags and filling coolers. In just a few short hours, 2,800 meals were on their way across the New Madrid County R-1 School District Monday morning. It was the first day of what school officials dubbed “NMCR1 Operation Feed the Children.”...

SIKESTON, Mo. — The bus driver spotted them as he pulled up to the bus stop on March 18, the first day Scott County Central delivered meals to families following the halt of classes due to the coronavirus. Grinning, the students said they got up early — a quarter of seven — so they wouldn’t miss the bus’s arrival...

SIKESTON — During a recent conversation with her daughter, who is a nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Scott County resident Tricia Selby decided she wanted to help protect not only her daughter and those in the healthcare industry but anyone else who wanted it...

SIKESTON, Mo. — As of Friday, Scott County has three confirmed positive cases for coronavirus, the Scott County Health Department posted on its Facebook page. No details were provided. The health department said: “Please stay home as much as possible right now, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”...

SEATTLE (AP) — An investigation at a Seattle-area nursing home concluded that symptoms aren't enough to identify who is infected once the coronavirus enters a long-term care facility. Residents without symptoms could have the virus, so it won't work to simply separate those with symptoms from others. Investigators found that screening based on symptoms alone may be failing to identify half the residents who are infected with COVID-19...

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans rushed to build a makeshift hospital in its convention center Friday as troubling new outbreaks bubbled in the United States, deaths surged in Italy and Spain and the world warily trudged through the pandemic that has sickened more than a half-million people...

DETROIT (AP) — President Donald Trump issued an order Friday that seeks to force General Motors to produce ventilators for coronavirus patients under the Defense Production Act. Trump said negotiations with General Motors had been productive, "but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course."...

BOSTON (AP) — States are pulling back the welcome mat for travelers from the New York area, which is the epicenter of the country's coronavirus outbreak, but some say at least one state's measures are unconstitutional. Governors in Texas, Florida, Maryland and South Carolina this week ordered people arriving from the New York area —including New Jersey and Connecticut — and other virus hot spots to self-quarantine for at least 14 days upon arrival...

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans rushed to build a makeshift hospital in its convention center Friday as troubling new outbreaks bubbled in the United States, deaths surged in Italy and Spain and the world warily trudged through the pandemic that has sickened more than a half-million people...

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package into law Friday, after swift and near-unanimous action by Congress to support businesses, rush resources to overburdened health care providers and help struggling families during the deepening coronavirus epidemic...

SIKESTON — While the coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on health across the country, it is also having an impact on local business. During the social distancing order, many local businesses are being forced to reduce hours, adjust policies due to social distancing or close altogether, with many business owners being cautious in an uncertain time...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting swiftly in an extraordinary time, the House rushed President Donald Trump a $2.2 trillion rescue package Friday, tossing a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the coronavirus pandemic. The House approved the sweeping measure by voice vote, as strong majorities of both parties lined up behind the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation’s history. ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is poised to approve an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package that will provide one-time checks for most Americans and significant enhancements to unemployment benefits. Both will provide much-needed help to those recently laid-off and to financially stressed households as the coronavirus shuts down much of the economy...

SIKESTON — Local law enforcement and emergency personnel have the communities’ best interest in mind. That was the message on Thursday evening, as local police officers and firefighters gathered near the back entrance at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds. There, they displayed a “Thank You” sign as the police cars signaled red and blue lights, with an overall purpose being appreciation...

The 60-something husband works in the food industry and still insists upon leaving every day for work, saying he needs to keep his business afloat. His frightened wife desperately wants him to stay home. For another couple, in the midst of a separation, the bitterly fought issue is the kids and whether they can safely see friends. One parent is allowing it in an effort to be the "fun parent"; the other bitterly opposes it...

CINCINNATI (AP) — In the battle to keep their New York City restaurant going despite sharp restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak, the owners of Il Posto Accanto tried something Beatrice Tosti di Valminuta would have considered sacrilege in normal times...

NEW YORK (AP) — In New York City, they've started dismantling basketball hoops to prevent people from gathering in parks and playing. In Lakewood, New Jersey, police broke up a wedding being held in violation of a ban on large gatherings. And in Austin, Texas, officers are encouraging people to call a hotline to snitch on violators of the city's orders for people to stay home...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. —Gov. Mike Parson has signed an executive order to begin mobilizing the Missouri National Guard to assist in the state’s COVID-19 response efforts. This will increase the amount of coordination among state government partners in combating the spread of COVID-19...

SIKESTON — As the number of coronavirus cases continue to climb in the area, the Missouri Delta Medical Center has released home care instructions for those who who feel they have symptoms and are not hospitalized, as well as those who care or come in contact with someone who has symptoms...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Local Catholic schools will continue to be closed until at least late April. In a letter to pastors, deacons and principals Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Gene Aug, interim superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, a decision was made to keep all Catholic schools closed until April 24. The letter said the diocese will determine, on that date, whether or not there is any need to suspend the educational programs longer...

SIKESTON — Despite rumors, the City of Sikeston does not have a curfew in place. According to a statement from the City, officials have received calls about a curfew but “there is absolutely no such curfew in place.” However, one change does involve city parks. A statement from the City said, “Due to groups continuing to violate the Governor’s orders regarding social gatherings over 10 people, basketball courts at all city parks are closed effective immediately.”...

SIKESTON — With a ‘social distancing’ order beginning in Missouri on Monday, many area churches are continuing to adapt. In many cases, churches are increasing the use of the internet, whether through Facebook Live videos or YouTube. Last Sunday, Tanner Street Church of God offered their service online via Facebook and it was “well received and widely viewed,” said Rev. ...

NEW YORK (AP) — With record-high numbers of Americans seeking unemployment benefits after losing their jobs because of the coronavirus, Congress is set to significantly enhance the program. The $2.2 trillion rescue package nearing final approval will, for four months, add $600 a week to standard unemployment benefits, which vary by state. ...

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Hoping to escape all the coronavirus-caused economic uncertainty by winning a giant lottery jackpot? Think again. Those jackpots are going to shrink as the pandemic tamps down lottery sales. The group that oversees the Powerball game announced Wednesday night that it would cut minimum jackpots in half, from $40 million to $20 million, after there is a winner of the current big prize. ...

SEATTLE (AP) — With her due date fast approaching, Kelly McCarty packed a bag with nursing tops, a robe, slippers and granola bars. Last week's ultrasound, she said, showed "this baby is head down and ready to go." But the new coronavirus has thrown her a curveball, bouncing her and about 140 other expectant moms from their first-choice hospital to another 30 minutes away. The birth unit at the Edmonds, Washington, hospital is needed for COVID-19...

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — It started with an infected person from out of town who attended a funeral. Now the largest hospital in Georgia's mostly rural southwest corner is rapidly running out of space amid the highest rate of coronavirus infection in the entire state...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a mammoth $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented response amid record new jobless claims and mounting evidence that the economy is in a recession...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center has confirmed three positive cases of COVID-19 in Cape County.

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — The Stoddard County Public Health Center has been notified of the first positive case of COVID-19 in Stoddard County, the center announced via its Facebook page Wednesday. The case is contact-related and the patient, a male in his early 40s, is quarantined at home, according to the Center...

Over the past several weeks, I have spent much of my time as city manager monitoring state and federal government guidance on COVID-19 and adjusting city operations to comply with any recommendations and directives issued by health authorities. At the same time, like many Sikestonians, I have been dealing with the ramifications of these conditions at home, where my five children and teacher wife are enjoying (or enduring?) a very long spring break, largely isolated from friends, sports, and typical activities.. ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Senate leaders of both major political parties announced agreement early Wednesday on an unprecedented $2 trillion emergency bill to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic...

DUFUR, Ore. (AP) — The social distancing rules repeated like a mantra in America's urban centers, where the coronavirus is spreading exponentially, might seem silly in wide-open places where neighbors live miles apart and "working from home" means another day spent branding calves or driving a tractor alone through a field...

Maps exist to show us where we are, as well as where we're headed. The Associated Press COVID-19 county-by-county map does just that. Today, America's coastlines are streaked with deeper shades of red — California and New York in particular. That's where most of the cases of the coroavirus are. Farther inland, the image grows paler, showing the regions that so far have escaped the worst of the pandemic that has dramatically changed the lives of more than a billion people...

SIKESTON — With the COVID-19 pandemic announcement, Missouri Delta Medical Center is taking extra precautions to protect the health of patients, visitors and staff by temporarily suspending its visitors. On Wednesday Missouri Delta Medical Center and Clinics temporarily suspended all visitors until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our patients, staff and community...

The Dunklin County Health Department has been notified of the second positive case of COVID-19 in Dunklin County. The contact investigation has begun by the health department. The client is being quarantined at home. Health Department staff are working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. ...

The White House and Senate leaders of both parties have agreed on unprecedented emergency legislation to rush sweeping aid totaling some $2 trillion to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, India's 1.3 billion people joined the global lockdown, and Prince Charles has tested positive for the new coronavirus...

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The youngest of the eight people to die of the coronavirus outbreak in Missouri was a 31-year-old Red Cross employee who was buried as her family watched from their cars. The American Red Cross Missouri-Arkansas Region said that besides the death of biomedical services employee Jazmond Dixon in St. ...

SIKESTON — Local health department officials are working to educate the public about coronavirus so they’re prepared before, during and after cases are confirmed in the area. “Communities really need to take this seriously, and we’re just waiting for our (first) case to happen – so we’re wanting to be as preventive as possible,” said Rachelle Johnson, administrator of the Mississippi County Department...

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Scott County officials have decided to adjust entrance procedures by asking visitors to make an appointment in advance. “We’re still open for business, but we’re trying to protect ourselves, our employees and the public by abiding by the governor’s order,” said Scott County First District Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn. “You can still get marriage licenses and deeds filed here just as you always have.”...

The Butler County Coroner’s Office has been notified of a possible COVID-19 death. Coroner Andy Moore said in a news release his office is involved with a death “involving a person under investigation for COVID-19. As of the time of this press release, the test is pending.”...

CHARLESTON, Mo. — A Mississippi County food pantry saw an increase of more than 150 families served through its monthly USDA food distribution program Saturday in Charleston. Kimberly Capone, secretary of Shining Light in Charleston, said the church’s food pantry served 562 families compared to its normal 400 they serve each month...

The rapid spread of the coronavirus since it was first reported in China has dealt an unprecedented shock to the global economy. Here's a look at developments Tuesday as central banks, businesses and workers attempt to navigate a global outbreak that has brought economic activity to a standstill...

CHICAGO (AP) — Bill Purdue waterproofs basements for a living, but he has spent the past few days in his buddy's Washington, Indiana, auto trim and upholstery shop cutting rectangles of cotton fabric that his friend sews into face masks. Fashion designer Briana Danyele left Italy last month to return to her mother's Greer, South Carolina, home, where she has turned the living room into a mini sewing factory, making masks that she embroiders with the words, "We Got This!"...