MULTIPLE BUSINESSES AND FACILITIES LIMITING OPERATIONS
There are several businesses and facilities in Southeast Missouri that are limiting operations due to concerns on the COVID-19 virus.
Factories in Poplar Bluff and Doniphan are focusing their efforts on sanitation and safety measures, such as checking employees for fever, and keeping personnel as separated as possible to keep the 6 foot social distancing rule of thumb.
Multiple local restaurants and businesses have also taken to increasing their efforts towards cleaning and disinfecting, and have adapted to online services when possible, such as online shopping and limiting the number of staff on site.
Additionally, the Police and Fire Departments of Dexter are currently closed to the public, and all city owned parks and facilities in New Madrid will be closed off from public access.
These measures are expected to continue throughout March until April 6th, unless the status of the COVID-19 virus spread escalates during this time.
THIRD CASE OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN DUNKLIN COUNTY, CARTER COUNTY CASE INVESTIGATION CONFIRMED
Dunklin County has confirmed its third case of the COVID-19 virus on Thursday.
An ongoing investigation is underway by the Health Department and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service on anyone who may have been exposed, and the patient is quarantined at home. Dunklin County officials urge residents not to panic, and to call their health provider if you are showing symptoms.
Additionally, a recently confirmed case in Carter County was revealed to not be travel related, and was acquired inside the community, possibly in the Van Buren and Ellsinore areas. The 59 year old male patient has been hospitalized, and close contacts have been notified about the high-risk of exposure.
TWO AREA RESIDENTS INJURED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN BUTLER COUNTY
Two Poplar Bluff residents were injured in a vehicle crash in Butler County on Thursday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Missouri 142, north of County Road 312, where a vehicle crashed into an oncoming car while it was attempting to make a left turn.
The driver and an occupant of the struck vehicle both received minor injuries from the crash, and were transported to a local hospital.
MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION OF MISSOURI APPROVED
The Major Disaster Declaration for Missouri was approved on Thursday by President Donald Trump.
The request was made by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on Tuesday in regards to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program to reimburse eligible expenses from local governments and non-profit organizations.
Requests made by Governor Parson for federal hazard mitigation, low-interest federal disaster loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and crisis counseling are still under review.
CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 IN MISSOURI PEAKS 500
There are now over 500 positive cases of the COVID-19 virus reported in Missouri.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of Thursday, there are a total of 502 confirmed cases of the virus in Missouri, with eight deaths that have been directly linked to the disease.
The department urges residents to practice proper hygiene ethics and measures to avoid further spread of the virus, including washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, and keeping at 6 foot minimum distance from others.
A hotline for questions and concerns about the coronavirus is available by calling 877-435-8411.
POPLAR BLUFF POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECTED THIEF
The Poplar Bluff Police Department is currently searching for the identity of a male suspect.
According to the department, the male is a suspect in a theft investigation at the local Walmart, and a picture of the suspect is available on the Poplar Bluff Police Department’s Facebook page.
If you know the identity of the suspect, you are asked to contact the department by calling 573-785-5776.
SERIOUS INJURIES REPORTED FOLLOWING VEHICLE CRASH IN DUNKLIN COUNTY
A driver was seriously injured in a vehicle crash in Dunklin County on Thursday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the driver was traveling down Route H, 5 miles north of Campbell, before running off the roadway and striking a tree.
Following the crash, he was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Cape Girardeau for treatment.
