POPLAR BLUFF R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORTS SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN LOWER GRADES
The Poplar Bluff R-1 School District has reported a spike in coronavirus cases from lower grades.
According to Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill, the increase in COVID-19 cases have been especially severe at the Early Childhood Center, and the O’Neal Elementary school campuses.
As of Tuesday, the Center reported three active cases, while O’Neal has reported nine cases of the virus in the campus.
Among the schools in Poplar Bluff, as of Tuesday, there were about 329 people out of school and in quarantine. Dill also stated that an extension of the mask policy is not currently active, though this could change depending on the ongoing status of the virus in the district.
ARREST MADE IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES
A woman was taken into custody in New Madrid County on Thursday on drug possession charges.
According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, 26 year old Angeline Cedano, of Florissant, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance – cocaine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following her arrest, she was transported to the New Madrid County Jail.
TWO BLOOD DRIVES AVAILABLE IN POPLAR BLUFF TODAY
There will be two opportunities to donate blood in Poplar Bluff today.
If you are interested in donating, you can visit Education Room 3 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center from 10 am to 3 pm, or you can go to the lounge area at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center from 8 am to 1 pm.
All blood donations will be tested for traces of COVID-19 antibodies.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON ISSUES PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING; STATEWIDE EMERGENCY ORDER EXTENDED
Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued a public health warning, and has extended the statewide emergency order.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a COVID-19 press conference, where Governor Parson announced that due to growing concerns and an increase of coronavirus cases, the statewide emergency order, which has been in effect since March, has been extended until at least March of 2021.
The Governor also issued a statewide public health warning due to the upcoming flu and winter seasons, which includes a community guidance and action plan.
This includes proper social distancing, face mask usage, limitations to gatherings, and lowering travel outside of Missouri.
ADDITIONAL CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED ACROSS SOUTHEAST MISSOURI; STATE TOTAL NOW OVER 257,000
Additional cases of the coronavirus have been reported throughout Southeast Missouri, while the state total has risen past 257,000 confirmed cases.
According to the Butler County Health Department, 35 new cases were reported on Thursday, bringing the County’s total cases to 2,389. Stoddard County has seen 68 new cases, and now stands at 1,865 total positive cases. Of them, 399 are active, and 1,434 have recovered.
Dunklin County now stands at 1,893 cases of the virus. Of them, 1,789 have recovered, and 92 are still active.
In Missouri, as of Thursday, there are now a total of 257,822 cases of the virus in the state, while 3,507 deaths have been directly linked to the disease.
If you are experiencing or showing any symptoms of the virus, including fever, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing, you are advised to contact your primary healthcare provider before visiting any hospital or emergency room.
TWO INJURED IN VEHICLE COLLISION IN PEMISCOT COUNTY
Two injuries were reported from a vehicle collision in Pemiscot County on Thursday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the collision happened on US 61, at Route F in Holland, where a vehicle was struck when it pulled into the path of another oncoming vehicle.
Both the driver, and a juvenile occupant, of the struck vehicle suffered minor injuries, and were transported to a Blytheville hospital for treatment.
