In her April 7 noon broadcast, News Director Connie Green recaps Covid-19's impact so far on Blair, sharing highlights Terra Uhing of Three Rivers Public Health and Jordan Rishel of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Also in the news:
An increase in the Novel Corona Virus infection rate in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health says three additional deaths have been reported from Linn, Henry and Polk counties. 87 additional new cases of the virus have been confirmed, bringing the Hawkeye state to 786 cases so far. No new cases are reported in Harrison County.
At last check in with Three Rivers Public Health Department, Terra Uhing says there are no Corona Virus related deaths in Washington County and no new confirmed cases since this past weekend.
Scammers are out in force taking advantage of the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 virus. Two of the more often used scams at this time include one where a caller purports that the government stimulus checks need to be direct deposited into your bank account and they demand your banking information. Another scam prevalent right now – threats to shut off utilities. Omaha Public Power District says it will not shut off anyone’s account during the Covid-19 pandemic
A survey by The Daring Kitchen indicates Nebraskans enjoy their food – ranking the Cornhusker state as second in the nation for take out and delivery during the Covid-19 pandemic. Only Minnesota ordered more “to go” food.
By the Way, it is Take Out Tuesday and you’re encouraged to order take out or delivery from Blair area restaurants. All area eateries are feeling the impact of closed dining areas mandated by the Health Directives. You can see a list of restaurants and contact information at the Washington County Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or Blair Radio’s restaurant page.
Shipping and worker absence are factors in the low numbers for the most recent Mid America Business Conditions Index. Nine states, including Nebraska and Iowa are surveyed. The index is at 46.7, down from 52.8. An exception is Conagra Foods. Consumers are stocking up home pantries and eating most meals at home during the Covid-19 outbreak. Conagra officials say they’ve seen a spike in sales and an increase in it’s stock prices. It’s food service line, however, is suffering due to closures or limitations put on restaurants.
Families are home full time, heads of households may have reduced hours at work, if they haven’t been laid off due to the Coronavirus. School lunch programs in place with Blair Schools and the CBC-Butch’s Deli school lunch efforts help.
The Washington County Food Pantry is seeing its most active season ever. Record numbers of families are seeking help with keeping groceries on the table during this Pandemic. The Joseph’s Coat thrift store proceeds normally helps fund the food pantry, but the thrift store is closed to help stem the spread of the virus. The Pantry needs donations. Non-perishable food items are great, you can find a list online at JosephsCoat.org …but, in light of social distancing, you may want to consider providing funds for the pantry. Joseph’s Coat can tap into lower cost foods – there by providing much more for the same amount of funds you would have spent on going to the store, purchasing those items, and bringing them to Joseph’s Coat – and possibly exposing yourself to Covid-19 in the process.
Go online to JosephsCoat.org and you will see a yellow tab with the word “Donate” in the upper right corner. You won’t have to worry about using up your hand sanitizer in the process.
- Reported by Connie Green
For more coverage of the Coronavirus and local community response, including news from Connie Green and guest host interviews with Kelly Johnson, click here.
More information on the Coronavirus can be found on the CDC website.