Barry County life shifts as social distancing
implemented for COVID-19
March 18, 2020
Charlea Estes-Jones
Barry County life shifted dramatically this week as schools, senior centers and some businesses closed to prevent the widespread of a new pandemic coronavirus, COVID-19. While Barry County does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, schools and senior centers closed as a precautionary measure to attempt to squash the rapid transmission of the virus to more vulnerable populations, like the elderly.
Barry County specific guidelines
Barry County emergency management director David Compton released information Tuesday morning, March 17, about the status of COVID-19 in Barry County. As of time of press, Barry County does not have a single confirmed case of the virus.
Currently, Compton said there is no declaration of a state of emergency unless there becomes a case locally.
Barry County Emergency Management is suggesting the federal guidelines of limiting groups to less than ten people for the next 15 days.
Compton assured he is speaking with state, regional, and local organizations daily.
The release also states to practice social distancing, “It is important to limit personal contact to 6 feet or greater. Experience with the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of social distancing in stopping the spread of a pandemic flu. Limiting close personal contact and avoiding large groups is an effective way to “flatten the curve” of new infections.”
Campton also states to stop panic buying. The release states, “There is no indication that we will experience long-term shortages of food or other household items. Panic buying has caused immediate shortages, which may cause those with mobility and access issues difficulty in obtaining the regular supplies they need.”
Roger Brock, Barry County Health Department administrator, suggested if a person suspects they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, to call the doctor’s office, as opposed to showing up unannounced. If a person is experiencing severe respiratory issues, he suggests they go to an emergency room. He said the closing of Barry and Lawrence County schools was not mandated by the health department, although the department worked in an advisory capacity.
Students and Schools
The decision to close schools came Monday, March 16. All Barry County schools are closed until at least April 5. Whether or not schools will reopen on April 6 is to be determined as officials continue to work with local and state health departments to determine the best course of action to keep the public safe.
All local schools are implementing a free meal program for students regardless of free/reduced lunch eligibility. The schools are offering multiple pick up locations for the meals.
Cassville School:
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, the cafeteria will provide free lunch and the next day's breakfast. To order meals for your student, please call (417) -847-4042 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parents are able to pick up their Grab-n-Go meals at the following locations each day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The locations are: Primary/Middle School Cafeteria, Butterfield First Baptist Church, Eagle Rock Shore Line Campground (across from Eagle Rock Corps of Engineers) and Golden First Baptist Church.
Exeter School:
The school will offer student lunches from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at which time they will send breakfast with the student for the next day.
The school has a link to an online form to fill out on their Facebook page. Students age 18 and under are eligible and meals will be available on March 19 and 20 as well as March 24 through April 3.
Location: in front of the Exeter Elementary School doors.
Purdy School:
Starting today, Wednesday, March 18, Purdy Schools will offer free breakfast, lunch and dinner to all students ages 18 and under. It will be available Monday through Friday, including Friday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each student will receive three bagged meals: one lunch, and one dinner, provided by Life 360, and one breakfast for the following day.Join the grab-n-go line in front of the high school gym and and a volunteer will bring your meals to your vehicle.
Southwest School:
The school is looking into meal options currently and expects to have a plan next week.
Shell Knob School:
Shell Knob School is currently making plans for meals for students and decisions will be made by the end of the week. Shell Knob is currently on spring break. If parents need anything, they are welcome to call the school at (417) 858-6743 ext. 235 (superintendent) or ext. 204 (principal).
Wheaton School:
All students age 18 and younger can pick up lunch and the next day’s breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as of yesterday, March 17 in the thru line in front of the elementary school.
Senior Citizens
Senior centers also announced they would be closing, however, many are offering take out meal options. The Cassville Senior Center posted on their Facebook that they will be closed to the public until further notice. However, staff will be passing out individual frozen meals during the center’s regular lunch time, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to those 60 and over who need a meal. Those in need are asked to knock on the front door or call at (417) 847-4510.
Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob is offering the same service as Cassville during their normal lunch times, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.To receive a meal, you must be 60 or older and pull up under the awning and honk once. If you have questions, call (417) 858-6952.
Monett’s Senior Center’s information is the same, and they can be reached at (417) 235-3285.
One nation-wide chain announced the first hour of business will be dedicated to senior citizen shopping only to ensure they have what they need. Dollar General stores across the country will be open to senior citizens for the first hour of business for that day. All stores will also close an hour earlier.
Hospital changes
CoxHealth announced system-wide changes, including screenings for visitors. At Cox Monett, visitors may only enter through the north entrance Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the ER entrance which is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Visitors must have a fever check when they come in. All Emergency Departments and Urgent Cares will remain open at CoxHealth.
Visitor restrictions include: only one visitor per patient per day, no visitors for patients suspected to have COVID-19 and no one under the age of 18 may access the CoxHealth facilities, including hospitals and clinics, unless they are seeking care.
Mercy Cassville is adopting policies laid out by the Mercy network. In a statement, Mercy announced they would also be screening all visitors for a fever and limiting visitors. According to Mercy, visitors will be required to go through screening every time they come into the hospital and patients can have one visitor per day. Exceptions may be made for those who are near end-of-life. Unless they are seeking treatment, no one under age 18 will be permitted in Mercy hospitals or clinics.
Emergency Management Director Compton’s release states COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
If you are symptomatic, Comtpom says to:
• Stay home.
• Call your primary care provider and inform them of your symptoms.
• If you have serious breathing problems dial 911 and tell them about your symptoms.
• Follow your PCP directions.
• Do not have close personal contact or share spaces with others.
For non-symptomatic people, Compton said, “Practice good prevention. Remember COVID-19 is spreading person to person and all people may contract the disease and pass it to others, even if they do not have symptoms. Avoid close personal contact with others and especially those at greatest risk.”
CoxHealth announced virtual visits will be open to anyone needing to be evaluated for suspected COVID-19. They released the following statement last week: “To be evaluated, individuals should simply use code COVID when beginning a Virtual Visit. This service is available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough and respiratory distress. Patients at risk may also have traveled to areas with widespread disease. If a provider feels a patient should be tested, he or she will make a referral so that may be conducted.
“The availability of Virtual Visits by anyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, aligns with public health goals of keeping the disease from spreading throughout the community. This approach also prevents the spread of illness in medical facilities, and protects the local health care workforce so they can be ready to help those who need assistance.”
Resources
Compton recommends getting information pertaining to COVID-19 from the following sources:
Barry County Health Department - Website: http://www.barrycountyhealth.com and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarryCoHealthDept
Missouri DHSS: 24-Hour Hotline 877-435-8411, Website: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
John Hopkins Webpage: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu
Charlea Estes-Jones
Barry County life shifted dramatically this week as schools, senior centers and some businesses closed to prevent the widespread of a new pandemic coronavirus, COVID-19. While Barry County does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, schools and senior centers closed as a precautionary measure to attempt to squash the rapid transmission of the virus to more vulnerable populations, like the elderly.
Barry County specific guidelines
Barry County emergency management director David Compton released information Tuesday morning, March 17, about the status of COVID-19 in Barry County. As of time of press, Barry County does not have a single confirmed case of the virus.
Currently, Compton said there is no declaration of a state of emergency unless there becomes a case locally.
Barry County Emergency Management is suggesting the federal guidelines of limiting groups to less than ten people for the next 15 days.
Compton assured he is speaking with state, regional, and local organizations daily.
The release also states to practice social distancing, “It is important to limit personal contact to 6 feet or greater. Experience with the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of social distancing in stopping the spread of a pandemic flu. Limiting close personal contact and avoiding large groups is an effective way to “flatten the curve” of new infections.”
Campton also states to stop panic buying. The release states, “There is no indication that we will experience long-term shortages of food or other household items. Panic buying has caused immediate shortages, which may cause those with mobility and access issues difficulty in obtaining the regular supplies they need.”
Roger Brock, Barry County Health Department administrator, suggested if a person suspects they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, to call the doctor’s office, as opposed to showing up unannounced. If a person is experiencing severe respiratory issues, he suggests they go to an emergency room. He said the closing of Barry and Lawrence County schools was not mandated by the health department, although the department worked in an advisory capacity.
Students and Schools
The decision to close schools came Monday, March 16. All Barry County schools are closed until at least April 5. Whether or not schools will reopen on April 6 is to be determined as officials continue to work with local and state health departments to determine the best course of action to keep the public safe.
All local schools are implementing a free meal program for students regardless of free/reduced lunch eligibility. The schools are offering multiple pick up locations for the meals.
Cassville School:
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, the cafeteria will provide free lunch and the next day's breakfast. To order meals for your student, please call (417) -847-4042 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parents are able to pick up their Grab-n-Go meals at the following locations each day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The locations are: Primary/Middle School Cafeteria, Butterfield First Baptist Church, Eagle Rock Shore Line Campground (across from Eagle Rock Corps of Engineers) and Golden First Baptist Church.
Exeter School:
The school will offer student lunches from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at which time they will send breakfast with the student for the next day.
The school has a link to an online form to fill out on their Facebook page. Students age 18 and under are eligible and meals will be available on March 19 and 20 as well as March 24 through April 3.
Location: in front of the Exeter Elementary School doors.
Purdy School:
Starting today, Wednesday, March 18, Purdy Schools will offer free breakfast, lunch and dinner to all students ages 18 and under. It will be available Monday through Friday, including Friday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each student will receive three bagged meals: one lunch, and one dinner, provided by Life 360, and one breakfast for the following day.Join the grab-n-go line in front of the high school gym and and a volunteer will bring your meals to your vehicle.
Southwest School:
The school is looking into meal options currently and expects to have a plan next week.
Shell Knob School:
Shell Knob School is currently making plans for meals for students and decisions will be made by the end of the week. Shell Knob is currently on spring break. If parents need anything, they are welcome to call the school at (417) 858-6743 ext. 235 (superintendent) or ext. 204 (principal).
Wheaton School:
All students age 18 and younger can pick up lunch and the next day’s breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as of yesterday, March 17 in the thru line in front of the elementary school.
Senior Citizens
Senior centers also announced they would be closing, however, many are offering take out meal options. The Cassville Senior Center posted on their Facebook that they will be closed to the public until further notice. However, staff will be passing out individual frozen meals during the center’s regular lunch time, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to those 60 and over who need a meal. Those in need are asked to knock on the front door or call at (417) 847-4510.
Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob is offering the same service as Cassville during their normal lunch times, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.To receive a meal, you must be 60 or older and pull up under the awning and honk once. If you have questions, call (417) 858-6952.
Monett’s Senior Center’s information is the same, and they can be reached at (417) 235-3285.
One nation-wide chain announced the first hour of business will be dedicated to senior citizen shopping only to ensure they have what they need. Dollar General stores across the country will be open to senior citizens for the first hour of business for that day. All stores will also close an hour earlier.
Hospital changes
CoxHealth announced system-wide changes, including screenings for visitors. At Cox Monett, visitors may only enter through the north entrance Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the ER entrance which is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Visitors must have a fever check when they come in. All Emergency Departments and Urgent Cares will remain open at CoxHealth.
Visitor restrictions include: only one visitor per patient per day, no visitors for patients suspected to have COVID-19 and no one under the age of 18 may access the CoxHealth facilities, including hospitals and clinics, unless they are seeking care.
Mercy Cassville is adopting policies laid out by the Mercy network. In a statement, Mercy announced they would also be screening all visitors for a fever and limiting visitors. According to Mercy, visitors will be required to go through screening every time they come into the hospital and patients can have one visitor per day. Exceptions may be made for those who are near end-of-life. Unless they are seeking treatment, no one under age 18 will be permitted in Mercy hospitals or clinics.
Emergency Management Director Compton’s release states COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
If you are symptomatic, Comtpom says to:
• Stay home.
• Call your primary care provider and inform them of your symptoms.
• If you have serious breathing problems dial 911 and tell them about your symptoms.
• Follow your PCP directions.
• Do not have close personal contact or share spaces with others.
For non-symptomatic people, Compton said, “Practice good prevention. Remember COVID-19 is spreading person to person and all people may contract the disease and pass it to others, even if they do not have symptoms. Avoid close personal contact with others and especially those at greatest risk.”
CoxHealth announced virtual visits will be open to anyone needing to be evaluated for suspected COVID-19. They released the following statement last week: “To be evaluated, individuals should simply use code COVID when beginning a Virtual Visit. This service is available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough and respiratory distress. Patients at risk may also have traveled to areas with widespread disease. If a provider feels a patient should be tested, he or she will make a referral so that may be conducted.
“The availability of Virtual Visits by anyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay, aligns with public health goals of keeping the disease from spreading throughout the community. This approach also prevents the spread of illness in medical facilities, and protects the local health care workforce so they can be ready to help those who need assistance.”
Resources
Compton recommends getting information pertaining to COVID-19 from the following sources:
Barry County Health Department - Website: http://www.barrycountyhealth.com and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarryCoHealthDept
Missouri DHSS: 24-Hour Hotline 877-435-8411, Website: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
John Hopkins Webpage: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu