This post will serve as a resource and discussion area for the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to continue posting in the subreddit, but this will be available regardless.
Mod note: This post will update periodically. New megathreads will be posted on a weekly/as needed basis. If you have news from a verified source please send it to modmail or DM me directly and I will update the post.

POTENTIAL SCAMS

The FTC warns citizens about scammers asking up front for money or personal information to receive federal aid during this time. Reports of federal aid have not been confirmed as of yet. We will update when more information becomes available. Please check out the FTC's statement on what to look out for: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/checks-government?utm_source=govdelivery

NEWS

(Local) 3/23/2020: Taney County now has its first confirmed positive case of COVID-19: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Taney-County-now-has-its-first-confirmed-positive-case-of-COVID-19-569030781.html
(Local) 3/23/2020: Springfield-Greene County Health Dept. confirms 4 new COVID-19 cases at assisted living facility: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Springfield-Greene-County-Health-Dept-confirms-4-new-COVID-19-cases-at-assisted-living-faciility-569030661.html
(Local) 3/22/2020: DHSS reports 14 cases of Coronavirus in Greene County: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/DHSS-reports-14-cases-of-Coronavirus-in-Greene-County-569015911.html
(Local) 3/22/2020: NO VISITORS AT SPRINGFIELD HOSPITALS, WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS https://www.ktts.com/2020/03/21/no-visitors-at-springfield-hospitals-with-few-exceptions/
For specifics at CoxHealth, please visit: https://www.coxhealth.com/newsroom/coxhealth-issues-new-guidelines-visitors-due-covid-19-concerns/
For specific restrictions at Mercy, please visit: https://www.mercy.net/newsroom/2020/03/21/mercy-springfield-communities-expands-visitor-restrictions/
Note: CoxHealth and Mercy visitor restrictions scheduled to take effect Monday, March 23, 2020
(Local) 3/21/2020: Kansas City area (KS/MO) will be issuing a stay-at-home order except for essential services effective Tuesday, for a minimum 30 days: https://www.kmbc.com/article/stay-at-home-order-to-be-issued-for-core-metro-counties-starting-tuesday/31854990
(Local) 3/21/2020: Gov. Parson announces statewide social distancing order, Missouri schools to remain closed: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Gov-Parson-announces-statewide-social-distancing-order-Missouri-schools-to-remain-closed-568997231.html
(Local) 3/18/2020: Springfield-Greene County Health Department informs community of potential COVID-19 exposure: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Springfield-Greene-County-Health-Department-informs-community-of-potential-COVID-19-exposure-568904831.html
(Local) 3/18/2020: Your COVID-19 Dining Plan - How to eat out safely and responsibly during Springfield’s coronavirus outbreak: https://www.417mag.com/blog/your-covid-19-dining-plan/
(Local) 3/18/2020: Governor Parson postpones municipal April elections until June: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Governor-Parson-postpones-municipal-April-elections-until-June-568897021.html
(National) 3/18/2020: U.S. Virus Plan Anticipates 18-Month Pandemic and Widespread Shortages: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-plan.html
(National) 3/17/2020: How Long Will Coronavirus Live on Surfaces or in the Air Around You? A new study could have implications for how the general public and health care workers try to avoid transmission of the virus: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-surfaces-aerosols.html
(National) 3/17/2020: Treasury and IRS to delay tax payment deadline by 90 days: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html
(Local) 3/16/2020: Mayor declares civil emergency; City Council prohibits public gatherings of 50 or more: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6583
(Local) 3/16/2020: City declares state of emergency, bans gatherings of 50+: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/live-coronavirus-updates-city-declares-state-of-emergency-bans-gatherings-of-50plus/ar-BB11goAR
(Local) 3/16/2020: Third case of coronavirus confirmed in Greene County: https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2020/03/16/springfield-coronavirus-third-case-green-county-domestic-traveler-missouri/5057837002/
(Local) 3/15/2020: Governor calls to limit gatherings to 50 people or less; Springfield issues agreement: https://www.ktts.com/2020/03/15/governor-calls-to-limit-gatherings-to-50-people-or-less-springfield-issues-agreement/
(Local) 3/15/2020: Starting Monday (3/16) CoxHealth is offering free virtual visits for people with symptoms.
https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/
COVID-19 symptoms (fever over 100.4, cough and shortness of breath)? CoxHealth is offering FREE Virtual Visits. Use code: COVID
(Local) 3/14/2020: Second case of Covid-19 presumptive positive in Greene County: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6569&fbclid=IwAR32DBRuJrpypQNqL66vM7R4lUUDhW_HwHK1ZfGHP2tq76NIjgRl54OlssI
(National) 3/13/2020, 3pm - President Trump makes a slew of announcements, most prominently being a declaration of national emergency: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/politics/states-coronavirus-fema/index.html
(Local) 3/13/2020 - Some Missouri schools extend spring break due to coronavirus: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Some-Missouri-schools-extend-spring-break-due-to-coronavirus-568771431.html
(Local) 3/13/2020 - SPS google doc with ongoing information updates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C6fEj0H8M26Q3XGKKLalHcWBPJkyEMjb8LvPqX6nxPs/edit
(Local) 3/12/2020 - Missouri health leaders confirm second "presumptive positive" Covid-19 case. This case was located in Springfield. The patient had recently traveled from Austria, and followed a responsible protocol for reporting and seeking treatment: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Second-presumed-positive--568750351.html
(Local) Announcement video: https://www.ky3.com/video/?vid=568760532
(Local) 3/12/2020 - Missouri State University starts spring break early and encourages students to bring their books and computers home: https://www.missouristate.edu/coronavirus/default.htm
(Local) 3/12/2020 - College of the Ozarks asks students not to return back to campus after spring break until further notice: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/College-of-the-Ozarks-asks-students-not-to-return-back-to-campus-after-spring-break-until-further-notice-568751591.html

Simple preventive actions that help prevent the spread of all types of respiratory viruses include:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.***

RESOURCES

MISSOURI CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: The state Department of Health and Senior Services said residents and medical providers needing advice on the virus can call 877-435-8411 at any time on any day.
NOTE: The above hotline for DHSS is experiencing problems keeping up with the high call volume. If you call and get a busy signal, unfortunately you will have to try back later. They hope to have more lines added by the end of the week so the system can handle all of the calls. -credit, u/treslor
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is updating cases and threats across the state. Click HERE.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: The Arkansas Department of Health is updating cases and threats across the Natural State. Click HERE.
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY HEALTH: The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is updating cases, threats, and news. Click HERE.
CDC: The Centers for Disease Control is Atlanta is on the front lines of the battle to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It offers guidance for you and your business. Click HERE.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH: Dr. Tony Fauci is the director. He is the most respected on the virus as well as other issues. Click HERE.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: The World Health Organization just labeled the coronavirus as a pandemic. It has been tracking the virus since it first showed up in Wuhan, China on December 31. Click HERE.
KY3.COM COVERAGE: Get the latest stories, both locally and nationally. Click HERE.
Twitter: Governor Mike Parson - @GovParsonMO
Twitter: Missourians can call the @HealthyLivingMo hotline at 877-435-8411 for questions regarding COVID-19 in Missouri.

The subreddit's discord server is our chatroom with a dedicated Covid-19 channel. Join us for discussion! - credit, var23

Happy Friday the 13th Springfield. This post will serve as a resource and discussion area for the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to continue posting in the subreddit, but this will be available regardless.
Mod note: This post will update periodically. New megathreads will be posted on a weekly/as needed basis. If you have news from a verified source please send it to modmail or DM me directly and I will update the post.

POTENTIAL SCAMS

The FTC warns citizens about scammers asking up front for money or personal information to receive federal aid during this time. Reports of federal aid have not been confirmed as of yet. We will update when more information becomes available. Please check out the FTC's statement on what to look out for: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/checks-government?utm_source=govdelivery

NEWS

(Local) 3/21/2020: Gov. Parson announces statewide social distancing order, Missouri schools to remain closed: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Gov-Parson-announces-statewide-social-distancing-order-Missouri-schools-to-remain-closed-568997231.html
(Local) 3/18/2020: Springfield-Greene County Health Department informs community of potential COVID-19 exposure: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Springfield-Greene-County-Health-Department-informs-community-of-potential-COVID-19-exposure-568904831.html
(Local) 3/18/2020: Your COVID-19 Dining Plan - How to eat out safely and responsibly during Springfield’s coronavirus outbreak: https://www.417mag.com/blog/your-covid-19-dining-plan/
(Local) 3/18/2020: Governor Parson postpones municipal April elections until June: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Governor-Parson-postpones-municipal-April-elections-until-June-568897021.html
(National) 3/18/2020: U.S. Virus Plan Anticipates 18-Month Pandemic and Widespread Shortages: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/us/politics/trump-coronavirus-plan.html
(National) 3/17/2020: How Long Will Coronavirus Live on Surfaces or in the Air Around You? A new study could have implications for how the general public and health care workers try to avoid transmission of the virus: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-surfaces-aerosols.html
(National) 3/17/2020: Treasury and IRS to delay tax payment deadline by 90 days: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html
(Local) 3/16/2020: Mayor declares civil emergency; City Council prohibits public gatherings of 50 or more: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6583
(Local) 3/16/2020: City declares state of emergency, bans gatherings of 50+: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/live-coronavirus-updates-city-declares-state-of-emergency-bans-gatherings-of-50plus/ar-BB11goAR
(Local) 3/16/2020: Third case of coronavirus confirmed in Greene County: https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2020/03/16/springfield-coronavirus-third-case-green-county-domestic-traveler-missouri/5057837002/
(Local) 3/15/2020: Governor calls to limit gatherings to 50 people or less; Springfield issues agreement: https://www.ktts.com/2020/03/15/governor-calls-to-limit-gatherings-to-50-people-or-less-springfield-issues-agreement/
(Local) 3/15/2020: Starting Monday (3/16) CoxHealth is offering free virtual visits for people with symptoms.
https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/
COVID-19 symptoms (fever over 100.4, cough and shortness of breath)? CoxHealth is offering FREE Virtual Visits. Use code: COVID
(Local) 3/14/2020: Second case of Covid-19 presumptive positive in Greene County: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6569&fbclid=IwAR32DBRuJrpypQNqL66vM7R4lUUDhW_HwHK1ZfGHP2tq76NIjgRl54OlssI
(National) 3/13/2020, 3pm - President Trump makes a slew of announcements, most prominently being a declaration of national emergency: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/13/politics/states-coronavirus-fema/index.html
(Local) 3/13/2020 - Some Missouri schools extend spring break due to coronavirus: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Some-Missouri-schools-extend-spring-break-due-to-coronavirus-568771431.html
(Local) 3/13/2020 - SPS google doc with ongoing information updates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C6fEj0H8M26Q3XGKKLalHcWBPJkyEMjb8LvPqX6nxPs/edit
(Local) 3/12/2020 - Missouri health leaders confirm second "presumptive positive" Covid-19 case. This case was located in Springfield. The patient had recently traveled from Austria, and followed a responsible protocol for reporting and seeking treatment: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Second-presumed-positive--568750351.html
(Local) Announcement video: https://www.ky3.com/video/?vid=568760532
(Local) 3/12/2020 - Missouri State University starts spring break early and encourages students to bring their books and computers home: https://www.missouristate.edu/coronavirus/default.htm
(Local) 3/12/2020 - College of the Ozarks asks students not to return back to campus after spring break until further notice: https://www.ky3.com/content/news/College-of-the-Ozarks-asks-students-not-to-return-back-to-campus-after-spring-break-until-further-notice-568751591.html

Simple preventive actions that help prevent the spread of all types of respiratory viruses include:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.***

RESOURCES

MISSOURI CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: The state Department of Health and Senior Services said residents and medical providers needing advice on the virus can call 877-435-8411 at any time on any day.
NOTE: The above hotline for DHSS is experiencing problems keeping up with the high call volume. If you call and get a busy signal, unfortunately you will have to try back later. They hope to have more lines added by the end of the week so the system can handle all of the calls. -credit, u/treslor
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is updating cases and threats across the state. Click HERE.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: The Arkansas Department of Health is updating cases and threats across the Natural State. Click HERE.
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY HEALTH: The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is updating cases, threats, and news. Click HERE.
CDC: The Centers for Disease Control is Atlanta is on the front lines of the battle to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It offers guidance for you and your business. Click HERE.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH: Dr. Tony Fauci is the director. He is the most respected on the virus as well as other issues. Click HERE.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: The World Health Organization just labeled the coronavirus as a pandemic. It has been tracking the virus since it first showed up in Wuhan, China on December 31. Click HERE.
KY3.COM COVERAGE: Get the latest stories, both locally and nationally. Click HERE.
Twitter: Governor Mike Parson - @GovParsonMO
Twitter: Missourians can call the @HealthyLivingMo hotline at 877-435-8411 for questions regarding COVID-19 in Missouri.

The subreddit's discord server is our chatroom with a dedicated Covid-19 channel. Join us for discussion! - credit, var23

My read: GCHS AS HC BHO
Donald J. Trump
✔ @realDonaldTrump
FEMA has been told directly by me to give the A Plus treatment to the Great State of Alabama and the wonderful people who have been so devastated by the Tornadoes. @GovernorKayIvey, one of the best in our Country, has been so informed. She is working closely with FEMA (and me!).
​
11:17 AM - Mar 4, 2019
FEMA has been told directly by me to give the A Plus treatment to the Great State of Alabama and the wonderful people who have been so devastated by the Tornadoes. @GovernorKayIvey, one of the best in our Country, has been so informed. She is working closely with FEMA (and me!).
MAIN CLUES
F E M A by me to A *P to G S A and won T @G (K I), one C, informed S FEMA (and me !).
F E M A (B *P) A M E G G S AA 20/2/B G (K I ) , A C , 4 F E M A S A M E
25 (19) 19 37 37 25 19 19
DISCUSSION.
The symmetric arrangement was instructed by the last string that says FEMA SAME, referring to the first string wherein FEMA first appears.
The first string has B*P instead of S, but the gematric values are the same (19) and otherwise the strings are identical. So we have a confirmation. The values are 25-19-19, for both string 1 and string 4.
This arrangement led to the next supposition, that the two internal strings might also be mirrors of each other. This in fact is the case.
The letters are different but both string 2 and string 3 have a value of 37. So we conclude that our “phrasing” is correct and can turn to the meaning and the decode.
F E M A (B *P) A M E G G S A A 20/2/B G (K I ) , A C , 4 F E M A S A M E
25 (19) 19 37 37 25 19 19
##We first turn our attention to FEMA, which opens and closes the tweet.
FEMA=25=52=7= B-E, or G. 25 also is equivalent to B-H-O. We note that 25 also = H-Q
FEMA FEMA = 25-25, BE –BE, BE-G,50, 5, E, G-G, 7-7, 14, 41. This can mean NATO (50), GUANTANAMO (G-G). It can also mean BHO-BHO
##We now examine the second parts of strings 1 and 4. The (B*P) element is 18+(*)=19. Also, S=19.
Thus the elements can be read S-S-S-S, or 4 multiples of S (19), J (10) , or A (1), or as 3-8 or 8-3, C-H, or H-C, or as (11= K) , 2 , or B
##Now we look at strings 2 and 3. Values are 37-37= GC GC . Second iteration would be 10-10= J-J or J-A or A-J. We can also derive GC + FEMA (25) = GC HQ, because HQ=8+17=25. String 2 also spells GAS BAG
##examination of totals the two symmetric halves have values of 25-19-19-37 = 100. The gematria digit total is 37 (2-5-1-9-1-9-3-7=37)
​
Multiple meanings are possible. I read
​
GCHQ AS HC BHO
​