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Positive cases continue to increase locally
SIKESTON — The number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases continues to increase, both across the nation, in Missouri and locally.
The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus climbed past 3,500 Tuesday with more than 800,000 people infected worldwide and over 40,000 deaths according to numbers from John Hopkins University.
New York was the nation’s deadliest hot spot, with about 1,550 deaths statewide, most of them in New York City.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Tuesday afternoon, there were 1,327 confirmed COVD-19 cases in Missouri with 14 deaths.
According to those numbers, locally, there are 15 cases in Cape County, 6 cases in Scott County, 5 in Dunklin County, 3 in Stoddard County, 2 in Pemiscot County and none so far in New Madrid County or Mississippi County.
At least one Sikeston resident has been confirmed as positive, according to a social media post by the resident’s family member.
Like most area health departments, Scott County Health Department posts its current case updates to its official Facebook page. After the department posted on Monday it had six confirmed cases, some residents took to Facebook to express their disapproval of not knowing which towns the confirmed cases reside.
“It’s a shame they can’t tell the cities; people would honestly start taking social distancing more serious,” said one comment posted by Mary Brueggemann on Scott County Health Department’s Facebook page.
Barry Cook, administrator of the Scott County Health Department in Sikeston, said public health departments were told by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services not to give details about confirmed COVID-19 cases.
“I can tell you this: There are positive cases spread across the county,” Cook said. “If anyone is thinking these cases are all in one place, cases have been confirmed in all areas of the county.”
And the number of confirmed cases will increase.
“I know for a fact that last week they were doing, if any tests at all, one or two,” Cook said. “I talked to a doctor Monday night, and he said they did 10 in that morning and two of those were contact cases. … The testing is ramping up, and the positives will start coming.”
Cook said his advice for everyone continues to be to stay home and adhere to the governor’s social distancing order.
“There is still an order from the governor in place, and it is to stay under groups of 10 and avoid congregating together,” Cook said.
Practice the common sense tips such as washing hands with soap frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces and avoiding touching eyes, mouth and nose.
“Don’t take your whole family to get groceries,” Cook advised. “It takes one person. Get your groceries and go home. … Don’t get me wrong. If a couple people sit around together, that’s OK – as long as it’s not in groups.”
Stoddard 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 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.
Butler County
A Butler County resident has tested positive for coronavirus, marking the county’s first confirmed case.
On Tuesday Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center said it’s working with the Butler County Health Department regarding a former inpatient, who is the first Butler County resident to test positive for COVID-19.
“This person traveled within the U.S. before developing symptoms. The patient was treated and discharged home last week pending their results. The patient has now recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation,” said a news release from Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.
The Butler County Health Department and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center are working together to help identify and contact anyone who has had close contact with the patient in order to monitor them for symptoms and contain the spread.
“Poplar Bluff has come together as a community to support the preventive measures necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus. With the community doing their part, we will flatten the
curve.”
The hospital’s news release said it understood the frustrations brought on by its strict visitor policy and the public’s understanding is appreciated during this time. The safety and well-being of its patients, employees and community is the hospital’s greatest concern and priority, it said.
“We have witnessed the public’s dedication to social distancing, and their support for healthcare
workers, and it makes us even more proud to be your community hospital.” said Bryan Bateman, CEO at
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, “We will continue to provide the absolute best care possible as
this pandemic evolves. I’m proud of our team and the work they do each day.”
On Monday, the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center announced they were treating two patients that were confirmed to have the COVID-19. The hospital has not yet released which counties the patients reside or any other circumstances regarding their illnesses.