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COVID-19 HOTLINE NUMBER:  877-435-8411

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that had not previously been identified in humans. A coronavirus is a virus that can cause respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to more severe illness such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Our public health system—both local, national, and international, is well-practiced with these types of respiratory viruses.

Health organizations partner to open drive-through COVID test site

 

 

Please visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ website for the latest information for the state of Missouri.

Click Here to see the COVID-19 stats for Missouri.

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Please click on "Here" to learn how to protect yourself & others.

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK OF ILLNESS?

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  • Older adults (60+ years old)

  • People who have serious chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease

  • People who have compromised immune systems, like cancer patients

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PREPARATION FOR AT-RISK GROUPS:

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  • Stay home. Take extra measures to keep distance between yourself and other people.

    • Avoid unecessary travel

    • Stay in touch with friends and family by phone or email

    • Consider alternative ways of getting food and supplies to your house, such as pick-up services, delivery services, or having supplies brought to your house by friends or family

  • Have a plan if you get sick.

    • Talk to your doctor for more information about monitoring your personal health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19

    • Determine who can provide you with care and bring supplies if needed

  • Have supplies on hand. If COVID-19 reaches our community, you may need to stay home for a prolonged period of time. Prepare for this possibility by making sure you have things you will need, such as:

    • Extra prescription medications

    • Over-the-counter medications and other medical supplies (such as tissues) to treat fever and other symptoms

    • Other household items and groceries

  • Take everyday precautions.

    • Wash your hands and clean surfaces in your home often

    • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth

    • Avoid touching surfaces in public places: use a tissue or sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something, such as an elevator button. Wash hands after coming into contact with such surfaces

  • Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs.

    • Contact your doctor if you feel like you are developing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath

    • If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs include:

      • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

      • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

      • New confusion or inability to arouse

      • Bluish lips or face

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I seek medical care?

If you have traveled to a community that has been impacted by COVID-19 in the past 14 days AND have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider before you go to tell them about your symptoms and recent travel history.

 

How is COVID-19 spread?

There is still much to learn about how this novel coronavirus is spread. It is thought to spread between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet), and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected coughs or sneezes.

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What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It is important to remember that these symptoms are common in many illnesses. 

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What does isolation mean? What does quarantine mean?

Isolation and quarantine are both used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who are sick or who may be sick.

  • "Isolation" refers to separating a sick person from others.

  • "Quarantine" refers to separating people who are not sick, but may have been exposed to an illness, from others.

You can read more about the distinction between these terms here.

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What about international students?

Nationality is not a risk factor for COVID-19. An individual is only considered at risk for this illness if they or a very close contact have recently traveled to an area impacted by COVID-19, regardless of race.

 

For more Frequently Asked Questions, click here to visit the CDC’s FAQ page. (Español | 中文)​

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