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COVID BRIEFING for April 7: Missouri unemployment claims already top all of 2019
Editor's note: This is a daily briefing updating the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic at 4 p.m. each day.
During his daily briefing, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that first responders who contract COVID-19 are covered by workers compensation while Anna Hui of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provided an update on unemployment benefits for Missourians.
Last week the state processed 104,000 unemployment claims, an increase of 147% from the previous week, and has already taken more claims the last few weeks than for all of 2019, Hui said.
"On average, we're receiving more than 100,000 calls and emails per day. And we know the public's need is great," Hui said. "So our staff is working as hard as we can and as quickly as possible to serve as many as we can.
"We've increased the number of staff and continue to look for more efficient ways to handle the volume."
The Department of Labor has had 147,413 unemployment claims related to the coronavirus.
In Butler County, there have been 1,162 unemployment claims related to COVID-19 along with Stoddard (623 claims), Dunklin (263) Ripley (197), Wayne (137) and Carter (12) counties.
Missouri's Division of Employment Security received its first operational guidance related to the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program under the CARES Act.
The federal program provides anyone eligible for unemployment compensation benefits will receive an additional $600 per weeks. Those payments are expected to be sent out as early as next week.
Payments will be made retroactively for claims filed on or after March 29 and run through July 25.
Missouri's unemployment insurance program does not change under the federal program. Most people who are currently employed and quit are not eligible for unemployment benefits. If an employer offers sick leave and, or other leave options instead of layoffs, then a person who quits on their own would not qualify for unemployment benefits.
"We understand there are a lot of people new to the unemployment program," Hui said.
Unemployed workers are asked to file claims online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov as soon as they are separated from their employer.
Self-employed workers fall under a different federal program, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and the state is working to create a PUA claim system.
“COVID-19 has had a serious impact not only on public health, but also our economy. Business operations have been limited, and many people have lost their jobs. Over 100,000 people have filed for unemployment this past week," Parson said in a statement. “This federal assistance is critical to supporting unemployed Missourians and their families during this challenging time.”
Parson announced an emergency rule that presumes first responders who contract COVID-19 did so in the line of duty and allow them to file a claim through the state workers' compensation law.
“Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs are tireless public servants who compromise their own safety to ensure the safety of others,” Parson said. “They risk themselves each and every day, and because of their duties, our first responders are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while on the job.”
Information for the Missouri Department of Labor can be found here.
MEALS PROGRAM UPDATE
The meals for students program being conducted by the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District, Chartwells and the Boys and Girls Club of Butler County will not run Friday in observance of Good Friday.
Meals for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be provided Thursday, along with that day's meal, to students of the district.
Chris Rushin of the Boys and Girls Club of Butler County said the program continues to see an increase in need with 2,065 children served Monday and just under 43,000 total meals since the program started.
FREE WIFI FOR STUDENTS
A number of local businesses have offered free WiFi to students needing a place to do school work, said Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has gotten an "overwhelming response" to a survey of businesses on the matter and hopes to have a list out soon.
While the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library is closed, the free WiFi can be accessed from the parking lot, library director Sue Crites Szostak said in a previous briefing.
ELECTION REMINDER
The election slated for today was perviously postponed until June 2.
The deadlines to register to vote and filing as a write-in candidate for municipal elections did not change and have passed. Voters may apply for an absentee ballot before May 20. In-person absentee ballots may be case until 5 pm. on June 1 while the deadline for absentee ballots to be received by election author is 7 p.m. on June 2. Voters who have attained the age of 18 by today will be allowed to vote.
NOTARY PUBLIC CHANGE
On Monday, Parson signed an executive order suspending the requirement that a notary public must "conduct the notarization of official documents while the signer appears personally in front" of them.
It allows a notary public the ability to use "audio-video technology, provided certain conditions are met" until May 15.
Already registered notaries must register as "electronic notaries public" with the Secretary of State.
ALSO
• The Red Cross reported 65 units of blood were donated Monday at a blood drive held at the Black River Coliseum. The drive will be held from 12-6 p.m. Wednesday. Those wishing to donate blood must make an appointment online.
• Poplar Bluff's annual Buff of the Bluff, originally scheduled for April 25, has been postponed. An announcement will be made when the event is rescheduled. The city is also suspending the monthly Bulk Trash Pickup Program until further notice.
COVID COVERAGE:
A look at stories you might have missed from the DAR:
• Life saving blood donations still needed
• Butler County reports 6th positive case
• Pet food pantry serves 300 families
3 THINGS FROM THE AP:
A look at three stories from the Associated Press:
• Modeling coronavirus: 'Uncertainty is the only certainty'
• NY virus deaths exeed 3,200, topping toll for 9/11 attacks
• One Good Thing: 16-year-old pilot flies medical supplies to rural hospitals
Latest coverage from AP.
LATEST NUMBERS
As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 7:
US DEATHS: 12,021
Mo. Deaths: 53 (+14)
Mo. Cases: 3,037 (+315)
Cases by area county:
Butler County: 6
Carter: 3 (1 death)
Dunklin: 8
Stoddard: 8
Reynolds: 2
Ripley: 2
Wayne: 0
Perry: 28
Cape: 20
St. Francois: 19
Scott: 10
Pemiscot: 3
New Madrid: 2
Bollinger: 2
Madison: 1
WHAT IS COVID-19?
From the AP: For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Here are the symptoms of the virus compared with the common flu.
One of the best ways to prevent spread of the virus is washing your hands with soap and water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends first washing with warm or cold water and then lathering soap for 20 seconds to get it on the backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails before rinsing off.
You should wash your phone, too. Here’s how.
The Missouri coronavirus information hotline is 877-435-8411.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Monday, April 6
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Thursday, April 2
Wednesday, April 1
Tuesday, March 31
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Friday, March 27
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