Livingston County Health Center has received inquiries regarding the significant rise in cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) reported across the United States. The worry is understandable and we encourage our community members to follow this evolving situation, to get the facts from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and to take everyday precautions to reduce their risk of viral respiratory infections such as the Coronavirus.
Protecting the health and well-being of our county is a priority. As a public health agency, we plan and prepare for communicable disease events such as this, as well as do routine monitoring and surveillance of communicable diseases in the county as a regular part of our daily duties. We are also working closely with partners at the Missouri Department of Health, as well as our local and regional emergency response team to best protect our county residents.
The Health Center would like to remind the public that while COVID19 is most definitely a real public health threat, there are currently no local cases and the immediate risk to the general population is low. However, now is the ideal time to plan and prepare for the potential of a heightened public health threat. The virus may be novel, but the best way to prepare is not new and the recommended prevention strategies have proven successful in slowing the spread of disease. The benefits are greatest if interventions such as social distancing are introduced early (before 1% of the population is infected) and maintained until the threat subsides.
Here is a list of things everyone can do to protect themselves and the community against respiratory illness: ✓ Stay home when you are sick. ✓ Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. ✓ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then toss the tissue in the trash. ✓ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth especially with unwashed hands. ✓ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. ✓ Get a flu vaccine to prevent influenza if you haven’t already done so this flu season. ✓ Keep your distance from people who are sick, especially if they have a respiratory virus.
For people who are well, wearing a face mask is not on the list of recommended practices to prevent infection. While they can be effective in preventing the spread of disease if worn by someone who is infected with a virus, they are not currently recommended to protect oneself from becoming sick. Planning now will lead to better preparedness during an actual event. Now is a good time to consider how you might adjust if your daily routine is disrupted by an outbreak.
The latest data indicates that 80 percent of people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild, cold-like symptoms. If you are having mild symptoms and want to see medical treatment, we encourage you to call your regular doctor for guidance, as you would for a typical flu-like illness. Those experiencing mild symptoms only should avoid visiting the Emergency Department or calling 911 in order to save those resources for the critically ill and emergencies.
The health center will continue to monitor the situation to provide you with the latest information about the current threat of coronavirus and release it to you as soon as possible. This is an evolving situation and we know you want as much information as possible. We ask for your patience as we prepare our public health response should the virus be found in the county.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has set up a 24-Hour Missouri Novel Coronavirus Information Hotline staffed by medical professionals to answer your questions about COVID19. You can access the hotline at 1- 877-435-8411.
