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Task force formed to fight coronavirus in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (KMOX)-The St. Louis area's four largest healthcare systems are teaming up to fight coronavirus. BJC HealthCare, Mercy, SSM Health and St. Luke's Hospital have created the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force. SSM Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alex Garza has been named the Incident Commander. Garza previously served as Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he led the U.S. response to the H1N1 pandemic."We quickly came to realize," Garza said during the task force's introductory press conference, "that we needed a unified approach if we were going to get through this pandemic succesfully. We realized this was the best way to address all of our needs, whether that's personal protective equipment or facilities or ventiallators, all of those different things."Garza says all area hospitals involved in the task force will still take COVID-19 patients. He says they are planning how they will share supplies if necessary. "Particularly if one system was getting much more strained, how can we then shift and allocate resources to protect them? It does us no good if one of the other healthcare systems fails while we still have personal protective equipment or ventilators." Of the current COVID-19 cases, Garza says a "significant percentage" of patients are on ventilators. The systems have the equipment they need for now, he says, but they are continually "scouring the earth" looking for more. "We never want to be in a position where we feel like we're going to run out of personal protective equipment, or ventialators or ICU space, and the way to do that is to decrease spread." He says that is up to the public following the CDC guidelines concerning social distancing. Based on models being done by the local health systems and Washington and St. Louis Universities, Garza says, coronavirus will hit its peak here in two to three weeks. "That's what our best models are showing us. That could all change within a week. We ran the models last week. Numbers look different. Dates look different. As we get more data into the model it becomes more refined. We become more comfortable with what's coming out."Garza says we will get through this, "But the single most important priority for our community must be to slow the spread of this virus." Starting Sunday, the task force will be providing updates on coronavirus at 3 pm each day.

April 04, 2020

Small businesses advised to wait to apply for PPP loans

ST. LOUIS (KMOX)-Now that the Small Business Administration has begun accepting applications for the forgivable loans that are part of the CARES Act coronavirus stimulus package, many small business owners are racing to apply. However, a local accountant is suggesting they wait until next Monday or Tuesday. Daniel Mudd, a Tax Partner at Anders CPA + Advisors tells KMOX that some details of the application process are still being clarified. "As as far as how you calculate certain numbers that go into the calculation, it doesn't seem like anybody knows definitively on some of those gray areas. People are using their best judgement, working with their banker and trying to get a loan submitted." He says new clarifications are coming in continuously. "All we can do is advise people of what we know today. An hour from now we may know more." Plus, he says the CARES Act contains other elements that may be more beneficial to their business than the Paycheck Protection Plan. "There are many parts of the CARES Act that every small business needs to pay attention to. Really, you should go down each summarized item in the bill and see if it applies to you or not because there are a lot of other things that'll help small businesses." There’s a summary of those items at anderscpa.com. Under the act, in order for the PPP loan to be forgivable, Mudd says businesses have to use 75% of it to keep employees on the payroll. There are limits on what the other 25% can be used for. "There's a list for rent, interest on other loans you can use. There will be some type of check after the fact and if you didn't use the proceeds for any of those items on the list then it won't be forgiveable." Mudd says, in his opinion, business owners don't have to submit the application right away to be better off than they will be if they apply Monday or Tuesday.

April 03, 2020

UPDATE: Columbia cafe closes to focus on financial/physical health

(COLUMBIA, IL) KMOX-A couple of weeks ago we told you about a Columbia, Illinois coffee shop that was trying to navigate its way through the coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, that shop closed.Proving Ground Café and Roaster announced on Facebook that it is closing until further notice. Owner Caleb Wolz posted, "Our contribution to helping slowing down the virus means we can no longer encourage you guys to come out every day to see us and instead encourage you to stay home and to stay safe."Thursday, Wolz admitted that this past week, curbside service had not gone as well as the first two. He says when Governor J.B. Prtizker extended Illinois' stay at home order, it was time to re-evaluate, "How do we plan to tackle another month? With that we're kind of looking at getting some of the grants and loans and everything. It's all changing so much every day you have to be on top of it."He says it all got to be a bit overwhelming. "Every day you're trying to keep your business open as well as stay on top of all these new things popping up. Then trying to jump on them as quick as possible because it's first come first serve."Wolz had already laid off 11 of the café’s employees. He was staffing the business with his partner and his sister who were working for free. He also expressed concern about their health, coming into contact with customers.

April 03, 2020

27 Missouri long-term care facilities have had virus cases

ST. LOUIS (AP) — At least 27 long-term care facilities in Missouri have at least one resident or employee who has tested positive for the coronavirus, but getting more information is a challenge.Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said Thursday that Missouri health officials won’t identify the facilities with infections unless those facilities, or local health officials, publicize the information first, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.Related: Downtown 4th of July events including Fair Saint Louis canceled due to COVID-19 concernsRelated: 9 St. Louis-area Metro Transit workers test positive for COVID-19Cox said that naming them would violate state statutes forbidding health officials from identifying patients personally. She didn’t immediately respond to a Friday email from the Associated Press asking how naming facilities with positive cases would identify patients.Local health officials, though, have chosen to confirm that five residents of a Springfield assisted living facility and three residents at a St. Charles nursing home have died. Six other nursing homes, senior-living and long-term care facilities in the St. Louis area have reported residents or staff testing positive for COVID-19, which is particularly dangerous to older adults.Cox said county officials aren’t bound by the same statute as the state health department.Clay Goddard, who leads the health department in the Springfield area, said he viewed it “as a duty to warn,” adding that in “a global pandemic more information is often times better.”As of Thursday, Missouri had 1,831 cases, which was 16% more than on Wednesday. Missouri is among a dozen or so states that don’t have a statewide stay-at-home order, even though most of the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, and many other counties around the state, have issued their own.Republican Gov. Mike Parson has asked the public to avoid going out unnecessarily and has stressed that it’s up to individuals to act responsibly. But he has cited the low number of coronavirus cases in many counties, especially rural areas, as the reason for declining to issue a statewide stay-at-home order. He did prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people.

April 03, 2020

Illinois bans activities at state parks amid virus outbreak

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois has barred all activities at state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites in another move to stem the spread of the coronavirus.Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement that hunters and anglers aren’t allowed to receive refunds on state-issued permits or permit transfers due to administrative guidelines under the state wildlife code.“We understand the problems these laws create for our sportsmen and sportswomen and are reviewing all possible solutions,” Callahan said.Related: St. Louis County to close all parks starting this weekendWith proper state authorization, people can still hunt and fish on privately-owned open properties as Illinois continues issuing restrictions to curb the virus that causes COVID-19, the Journal-Star reported Thursday.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, which can include fever and cough but also milder cases of pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization. The risk of death is greater for older adults and people with other health problems.Spring wild turkey season will start on Monday in the state’s south zone and April 13 in the north zone.The state’s spring trout-fishing season begins on Saturday. Illinois sites will be stocked, but remain closed.

April 03, 2020

9 St. Louis-area Metro Transit workers test positive for COVID-19

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Metro Transit says a total of nine employees—union and non-union—have tested positive.Spokeswoman Patti Beck says that includes one person at headquarters, five at the Brentwood bus station, one at the DeBalivre bus station, one at Illinois Metrolink, and one Call-a-Ride worker.Metro Transit tells KMOX News a total of nine employees—union and non-union—have tested positive for the Corona Virus. A spokesman says people should take “only essential trips on transit.” pic.twitter.com/2VXgGK3bZT— Kevin Killeen (@KMOXKilleen) April 2, 2020 Beck says all employees are being temperature checked and screened for symptoms daily before being allowed to work. Related: Downtown 4th of July events including Fair Saint Louis canceled due to COVID-19 concernsRelated: Gov. Parson hints at further 'stay at home' actionAnd she says buses and trains get a “deep cleaning” once a day, with spot cleanings during the day.Beck says at this point people should take “only essential trips on transit.”© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved

April 03, 2020

Coronavirus Facts Only: White House expected to recommend Americans wear masks in public

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Dr. Fred Buckhold is a SLU Care general internist at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. The White House is expected to announce a voluntary policy for Americans to wear a face-covering mask when going out in public.This contradicts earlier CDC advice that said wearing a mask if you did not have coronavirus or not a healthcare worker was unneeded. Dr. Buckhold says he is ambivalent about the practice.He says social distancing is the key. Universal face masks in pubic don't do much. The goal is to keep the wearer from spreading germs to others....but not to protect oneself from the virus.But while masks have few benefits, he says, they have few drawbacks so he's okay with it.He just worries about the shortage of face masks which are critical to healthcare workers. Dr. Buckhold also cautions about the feeling of a false sense of security when wearing a mask in public.He says you still need to practice social distancing.© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved

April 03, 2020

Downtown 4th of July events including Fair Saint Louis canceled due to COVID-19 concerns

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – This year's Fair Saint Louis and America’s Birthday Parade have been canceled due to COVID-19 health concerns.Related: St. Louis County to close parks starting this weekendRelated: Gov. Parson hints at further 'stay at home' actionEvent officials made the announcement Friday morning. The annual events were scheduled to take place July 2, 3 & 4, 2020, in downtown St. Louis.The decision to cancel the free events was made by the Fair St. Louis Foundation and America’s Birthday Parade boards, the City of St. Louis, and the National Park Service, in coordination with key sponsors and stakeholders.“While we are saddened to cancel two of our region’s most popular and free Fourth of July celebrations, the safety of our community is of utmost importance to us,” said David Estes, Chairman, Fair Saint Louis. “Fair Saint Louis and America’s Birthday Parade embody the prideful spirit of our city, and over the past few weeks, we’ve seen that spirit shine so brightly within our community as we face this unthinkable challenge together.” This year would have marked the 40th Fair Saint Louis and the 138th America’s Birthday Parade. “We look forward to returning to downtown St. Louis and celebrating with our community in the future when the time is right,” said David Plufka, Chairman, America’s Birthday Parade. “Until then, please stay safe and be mindful of the health and safety of others. We are in this together and we will get through this together.” St. Charles couple stuck on cruise ship returns home Missouri is reporting 19 deaths and 1,834 positive cases of COVID-19, as of Thursday afternoonLocally, St. Louis City reports 270 cases, St. Louis County is reporting 663 with 6 deaths.© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved

April 03, 2020

St. Charles couple back home after being stuck on cruise ship due to COVID-19

ST. CHARLES (KMOX) — A St. Charles couple is finally home from their transatlantic cruise after their ship that wasn't allowed to port in several locations.Jeff (we are only using his first name) says it took them just three minutes to board their direct flight to St. Louis from San Diego. There were only 11 passengers on the plane. Related: Passenger traffic significantly down at St. Louis airportTheir cruise ship wasn't allowed to dock in several locations, including Hilo, Hawaii due to the pandemic. Ships like the Maasdam are completing voyages that began before the COVID-19 outbreak. Maasdam left Auckland, New Zealand on March 1 and was sailing a New Zealand and South Pacific crossing cruise that was scheduled to end in San Diego on April 3."I am glad to be home," Jeff told KMOX's Carol Daniel. "There's so many things I can do here, personally and financially. Plus, I can watch regular TV again...things that make life more normal."He points out that no one on board had the coronavirus. He says what they went thru is minor compared to those on other cruise ships with sick and dead passengers who had to remain in their rooms. Related: Former Hazelwood resident quarantined over Coronavirus fears© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved.

April 03, 2020

Live streaming is a lifeline for faith during COVID-19

Alton/Edwardsville, IL (KMOX) - The pews will be empty, but the pulpits will be full. Across Missouri and Illinois, live streaming has become a lifeline for faith communities during the coronavirus pandemic."One of my parishioners on Facebook sent pictures of their children painting stain glassed windows in their house, so there's a cross at the center that's kind of like their little chapel," says Father Jeremy Paulin of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, "I got another photo texted to me by a parishioner of their family all the children kneeling at prayer in front of the... they have the live feed on their television set over the fireplace, big screen, and four or five of the children kneeling there at the time of the consecration during mass."Father Paulin says hundreds have joined live-streams of Sunday mass. The church has also connected through web casts of evening worship, prayer, and daily morning mass among priests. "The expressions that people are using, what they're saying about their love for the church their need for the community that's provided here that's not given by other experiences of community that people have which are good but there's really something... I think people are digging deeper, they're reaching deeper and I think that's one of the good things that's coming out of this."Spiritual leaders say faith can be powerful during difficult times. Father Rob Johnson with St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois has been recording videos on faith for the Springfield Diocese. "There's something outside of myself here, that I can actually lean on in these times that still provides joy and peace and hope, but I can experience it as very, very real in these moments. I'm not alone and there's meaning here, even if it doesn't explain it away, or anything like that, but God's presence is still here among us."Father Johnson recommends spending time in prayer, asking how God wants you to devote this time to Him and to others. He says he's had more time for reflection himself. Johnson has been in quarantine since returning to the U.S. from France earlier this month.@ 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved.

April 03, 2020

ONLINE STREAM

Breaking News

Downtown 4th of July events including Fair Saint Louis canceled due to COVID-19 concerns

This year would have marked the 40th Fair Saint Louis and the 138th America’s Birthday Parade.

LATEST ST LOUIS CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Trending on RADIO.COM

27 Missouri long-term care facilities have had virus cases

7 nursing homes, senior-living and long-term care facilities in the St. Louis area have reported residents or staff testing positive for COVID-19

Illinois bans activities at state parks amid virus outbreak

With proper state authorization, people can still hunt and fish on privately-owned open properties as Illinois continues issuing restrictions to curb the virus.

9 St. Louis-area Metro Transit workers test positive for COVID-19

At this point people should take “only essential trips on transit.”

Coronavirus Facts Only: White House expected to recommend Americans wear masks in public

Every day during this COVID-19 pandemic our health editor Fred Bodimer will host a 20 minute podcast with the latest information on the virus outbreak.

Netflix star Joe Exotic’s tiger cubs once appeared at St. Louis-area mall

The Alton Square Mall banned events with exotic animals soon after the meet-and-greet with his cubs, according to the Telegraph.

Documentary about longest-serving female inmate in Missouri urges clemency amid COVID-19 spread

Is time running out for Patty Prewitt in prison as coronavirus threatens?

LOOK: Urban League food giveaway draws gigantic crowd in St. Louis County

The line of cars on Jennings Station Rd. stretched more than a mile

Bill Withers Dies at Age 81

The GRAMMY-winning singer passed away on Monday

Parson hints at further 'stay at home' action

The governor said in his Thursday briefing that he'll provide more updates Friday.

Cardinals employee in St. Louis tests positive for COVID-19

"To my knowledge, I think we've had one employee that did test positive, but is feeling better," Mozeliak says.

Coronavirus complicates plans for surrogate moms, parents

The parents don't know if they'll be allowed to witness their child's birth.

A record 6.6 million seek US jobless aid as layoffs mount

Many employers are slashing their payrolls to try to stay afloat because their revenue has collapsed.

ONLINE STREAM

Breaking News

This year would have marked the 40th Fair Saint Louis and the 138th America’s Birthday Parade.

LATEST ST LOUIS CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Trending on RADIO.COM

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