Archives for March 2020

The Adair County Health Department yesterday announced the second confirmed case of Coronavirus COVID-19. The case is not travel-related and the patient, a 34-year-old female, is in isolation at home under medical management by Northeast Family Health. Health Department staff are working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. If there were any, health officials will provide guidance to these individuals
and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

The individual who was the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Adair County has been released from isolation, making this second case the only active case at this time.

The health department urges the public to take appropriate precautions including good hygiene, social distancing and limiting in-person interactions. If you are sick, particularly with a fever and a cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your health care provider or urgent care center for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.

Macon County Health Officials also confirmed a second case of COVID-19 yesterday. This case is community spread, meaning it was transferred person to person and is not travel related. The person has been in self quarantine since first exposure to help prevent further transmission to others. All of those who have been in direct contact with this individual have been contacted by the Macon County Health Department.

For the safety of riders and drivers, the Kirk-Tran deviated fixed route has suspended service temporarily. The on-demand route will still be running, so you can schedule essential trips by calling the office. Essential service transportation is defined as dialysis, doctor appointments, grocery shopping, food banks, etc. To schedule rides on this route, please call Kari at the OATS Transit/Kirk-Tran office at 660-665-8404.

During a press conference, Governor Mike Parson announced that coronavirus cases jumped by 168 Saturday to 838. There are a total of 10 covid-19 deaths in Missouri now. More than 10,000 people reportedly have been tested statewide.

On Friday, Governor Parson announced he has signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Missouri National Guard to support the unified response to COVID-19. He said this is not about putting Missouri under martial law, but rather about having the Guard play a major role in supporting state and community operations, as they have experience in rapid deployment of forces for emergencies.

The Chariton County Health Department has issued a Stay-At-Home order for the county, which goes into effect today and will remain in effect until at least April 24th. The order was put into place in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the county. Residents are asked to stay home if they aren’t engaging in essential activities The Department also announced Saturday that another resident in the county has tested positive for COVID-19. Chariton County now has three confirmed cases.

Northeast Missouri residents have money coming under the new economic stimulus bill passed by Congress. The package will give direct payments of $1200 to those who make less than $75,000 per year. Families receive $500 for each dependent child. The bill also expands unemployment benefits and provides a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. The bill also extends unemployment benefits for four months and will pay $600 a week in addition to benefits already collected through the states.

Congressman Sam Graves says “this legislation offers hope, helping American workers put food on the table and helping American businesses keep their lights on and their employees on the payroll.”

The Kirksville R-III School District will remain closed through April 13. The District said this week they will remain in communication with state and local health officials to reevaluate the need to extend the school closure beyond that date. For planning purposes, closures will be planned in two-week increments. The District says their decisions are being made with a goal to protect the safety, health and wellness of students, staff and families and to slow the progression of COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Adair County YMCA and Kirksville R-III have been working together to provide meals for kids, 18 and under in Adair County, while school is out. The Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Grab and Go meals are available Monday-Friday, and now the service has expanded to provide breakfast and supper on Saturdays and Sundays. There are 15 Drive-Up locations.

Here’s the link to see drive-up locations and pick-up times:

Unemployment claims are up in Missouri. The Department of Labor received nearly 4,000 claims in the week from March 7 to March 14 and almost 7,000 through the month of March. The state has already received unemployment claims equaling 30 percent of last year’s total claims.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Conservation Commission are waiving fishing permits starting today. They are temporarily waiving permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended through April 15. MDC will reassess the situation at that point. All season dates, methods, and limits will continue to apply and be enforced. MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said Missouri’s rivers and streams offer high quality fishing as a way for people to connect with nature while still complying with all health and safety recommendations. She added that fishing is also a great way to get some much needed physical and mental health benefits during this stressful time.