Missouri Responds to the Virus
Nearly two weeks after declaring a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, the governor is now seeking a federal disaster declaration for Missouri. The governor has requested assistance from the U.S. government as the numbers of infected people in our state continues to rise. As I prepare this report, the virus has reached my Senatorial District, with cases reported in Pulaski and Camden counties. I believe the impact of the crisis extends far beyond those suffering direct effects of the virus, however. All Missourians are affected as businesses are shuttered and schools remain closed due to COVID-19.
This week, Congress drafted a stimulus package that includes direct payments to individuals, federal money to supplement state unemployment insurance, loans for businesses and aid to states, communities and major industries. Businesses in Missouri are also eligible to apply for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Employers may borrow up to $2 million to pay for fixed costs, payroll, accounts payable and other expenses. Borrowers may have up to 30 years to repay the loans. For more information, or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call (800) 877-8339.
The response to COVID-19 has spread throughout Missouri faster than the virus itself. The governor has ordered everyone in the state to practice “social distancing.” We are to stay home if possible, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, forgo dining in restaurants and delay all visits to nursing homes and other places where older and medically vulnerable people reside. Visits to state veteran’s homes are prohibited and prisons are off-limits to visitors, as well. All state offices are closed to the public, as are most county and municipal offices. Indoor facilities at state parks and conservation areas are closed. Maramec Spring Park near St. James is also closed.
The deadline for filing state and federal taxes has been extended until July 15. Also, the Missouri Department of Revenue has granted automatic 60-day extensions for driver’s license and motor vehicle registrations that expire in March or April. Municipal elections scheduled for April have been postponed until June.
All K-12 schools in the state will remain closed at least through April 6. The state has received federal waivers that allow schools to provide food service away from school grounds, and local schools have stepped up. Many districts are providing free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch packages, which are delivered by school bus to designated pick-up spots. Other districts offer meals for pickup at school locations. Parents should check with their local schools to see what food service is available.
Schools are also making efforts to keep students engaged. A few districts post daily projects and exercises online, while others have set up wi-fi hot spots in school parking lots or partnered with local internet providers to expand online opportunities. Statewide MAP assessments have been canceled and ACT college entrance exams scheduled for April have been postponed. The state is also making adjustments to the A+ college scholarship application process to reflect the extraordinary situation.
Coursework continues at Missouri S&T in virtual classrooms only. Most facilities on campus are closed through April 12, and all athletic and group activities are canceled. Residence halls remain open for international students and others who are not able to leave. Recently, students at Missouri S&T joined the effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic, firing up 3-D printers to create protective masks and face shields for use at Phelps Health in Rolla.
The governor has redirected nearly $18 million from the budgets of various state agencies to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and the Department of Public Safety is distributing these supplies to hospitals, EMS districts and other first responders. The department reports more than $10 million was spent on N95 respirator masks alone.
Fort Leonard Wood declared an increased health alert status following positive COVID-19 test results in Pulaski County. Travel restrictions have been imposed on military personnel and everyone entering the facility is subject to enhanced screening. Basic training and specialized schools continue at the base, but all family-day activities are canceled and graduation ceremonies will be closed to family and the public until further notice.
A month ago, who would have imagined that the situation would come to this? Who knows what it will be like a month from now? These are difficult times, but we will get through them if we work together. As much as social distancing is the order of the day, we must rely on each other if we are to get past this pandemic with the least possible impact. Please follow the guidance provided by public health officials so we can slow the spread of COVID-19.
Please stay positive, and keep informed. Visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website at www.health.mo.gov for updates on the situation in our state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a wealth of information about the COVID-19 virus on its website, www.cdc.gov.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.