MONDAY UPDATE: Local cases increase; Stoddard County to issue stay-at-home order

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.

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.

County officials are scheduled to sign the order Wednesday afternoon following an open comment period that runs until 4 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the order, all businesses deemed an essential business are encouraged to remain open. To the greatest extent feasible, essential businesses should comply with all guidelines set forth by the CDC.

All businesses may perform limited operations necessary to maintain the value of inventory and infrastructure, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits or facilitate employees working remotely. Employees working from home is encouraged.

On-site consumption is prohibited at restaurants, retail food establishments, bars, and private clubs, which normally prepare food and/or beverage service, but they may provide pick-up, drive-through, or delivery service.

Laundromats and other businesses which support and promote personal hygiene and cleanliness are encouraged to remain open as long as they follow CDC guidelines.

It is unlawful for any business, whether essential or not, to engage in or allow to occur on their premise

– gatherings of more than 10 people, unless the operation of their business so requires

– allowing patrons to operate shared equipment including but not limited to gyms, rented golf carts, playground equipment, and sports equipment.

– activities that do not conform with social distancing requirements

– operation of a public swimming pool

The order states that any business who violates the provisions could have their business license suspended or revoked.

Individuals aren’t to leave their primary residence except to perform essential activities. Essential activities are going to work (if you have an essential job), get groceries, visit a healthcare professional, or to engage in an outdoor activity, provided you comply with social distancing.

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Local updates:

• Beginning today, Dollar General will offer all medical personnel, first responders, and activated National Guardsmen with a 10% discount on qualifying purchases. Individuals can present their employment badge or ID to receive the discount.

• In Sikeston, there will be a community prayer at Missouri Delta Medical Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the front parking lot. Organizers are asking all who attend to practice social distancing and remain in their cars and turn on lights and flashers. Also, people who attend are encouraged to make signs to show support for local all healthcare staff and patients as well as all the local hospitals and clinics.

• Also, in Sikeston, both the curbside cleanup and the Spring Cleanup at the Sikeston Compost Site are being postponed to a later date. The City will notify everyone when new dates are set. The Compost Site will continue to maintain its regular schedule for drop-off limbs and brush. You can find that schedule on the city’s website.

• Scott County Health Department is implementing a new procedure for their building. They are asking the public to please call ahead prior to coming to the office at (573) 471-4044. Business is still being conducted. Also, with these changes, they will only be accepting cash and check at this time.

• In New Madrid, all city parks and other facilities are closed to the public until further notice.

• The New Madrid County Resource Center is closed for public visits.

• Also, the New Madrid County WIC office will not hold any of its satellite clinics during the month of April.

• In Charleston, there will be a special City Council meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday. There is no public attendance allowed at the meeting, but it will be broadcast live on the city’s Facebook page.

• The park at the Bowden Center in Charleston will be closed at night.

• The American Red Cross is in dire need of blood. Upcoming local blood drives are:

Wednesday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Spread Hope Now in Sikeston

Thursday

1-6 p.m. at VFW Hall in Sikeston

Friday

11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sikeston American Legion Hall

— Kyle Smith with the Dexter Statesman contributed to this report.