What is the current situational outlook with COVID-19?
This serves as a recollection of the past week’s happenings.
According to the Chariton County Emergency Management Agency, Missouri has recorded its first presumptive positive COVID-19 case on March 7. The case is associated with an individual returning from travel to Italy. With increased access to testing, it is likely that new cases will be identified in both the country and the state. The CDC is estimating increased transition is likely; however, it is not clear just how the situation will progress with the increasing temperatures of spring and summer.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the other coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illnesses, like the common cold. Patients with COVID-19 typically have symptoms associated with mild to severe repertory illness. Such symptoms may include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, more serious complications, including high fever, pneumonia and sepsis can occur, leading to a more severe illness and potentially death. Data suggests the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) are at a great risk of serious illness.
How can I protect myself and my loved ones?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures:
— Voluntary Home Isolation: Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to COVID-19 related virus.
— Respiratory Etiquette: Cover you cough and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.
— Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
— If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
— Environmental Health Action: Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Routine use of these measures by individuals and their families will increase community resilience and readiness for responding to an outbreak.
What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?
Contact your physician’s office or local Health Department. Please do not go to the Emergency Room (unless it is a medical emergency) without calling your physician or health department.
Being prepared is always a good idea, regardless of the situation. The Ready-in-3 program encourages families to: Create a Plan; Prepared a Kit; and Listen for Information. Ready-in-3 is endorsed by the American Red Cross, the State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri’s Office of Homeland Security and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
For more information, visit health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/.
Your local health department is monitoring the situation and working closely with our health and emergency preparedness partners at the local, state and federal levels to keep you informed and to guide our preparedness planning efforts.