The Stone County Health Department (SCHD) is taking action to prepare for the possible spread of the COVID-19, Coronavirus, should a future case be diagnosed in Stone County. “Anytime there is a new public health issue, people are concerned,” says Pam Burnett, SCHD Administrator. “Our goal is to provide accurate, timely, credible information about the possible spread should a future case be diagnosed in Missouri or in Stone County”.
Stone County Health Department is preparing for possible future positive cases by keeping close contact with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, monitoring all of CDC’s information, meeting with Stone County Emergency Management Director and other area Health Departments.
To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Missouri. However, it is important to know the symptoms and how this virus is spread during this outbreak. SCHD encourages people to call their health care provider or local health department if they feel they might be at risk for COVID-19 to talk over travel history and symptoms. Our staff will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. At any time while you are sick, especially with a fever, avoid contact with people and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
These are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all types of respiratory viruses. These include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- 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.
For the latest news and updated information, visit www.cdc.gov about the Coronavirus Disease 2019. For local updated information, please contact us in Galena at (417)357-6134 or (417)272-0050 in Branson West, or visit us at www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com.