Mike Chambers | Macon County Health Dept.

March 25, 2020 By Mike Chambers

Macon County Confirms First Positive Case of COVID-19 in Macon County

March 25, 2020 – The Macon County Health Department has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in Macon County. The person is in self quarantine and those with close contact are also in self quarantine. We will not be releasing more information about the person to protect their privacy.

Healthcare and public health are working together to contain the spread of this virus, in a manner to protect the health of the community and the safety of our healthcare providers. They are communicating with local agencies as well as the Department of Health and Senior Services to maintain current situational awareness on COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever of 100.4°F or above, cough and shortness of breath and appear 2-14 days after exposure. Exposure could happen if you have been in close contact with someone who is positive with COVID-19, or, have travelled outside the country to a place where the virus is widespread or areas within the United States that are experiencing widespread community transmission.

If you exhibit these symptoms and may have been exposed, stay at home to avoid transmission to others. Please call ahead to your doctor or call the State of Missouri’s COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411. You can also contact the Macon County Health Department at 660-395-4711 to discuss risk assessment, possible testing and to direct you to take the correct first step.

March 25 Press Release

March 23, 2020 By Mike Chambers

Social Distancing Order taking place March 23 until April 6, 2020. Click here for more info!

Governor Parsons has put into place a statewide social distancing order on to begin taking place at 12:01 am on March 23 until April 6.

This order states
1. To avoid social gatherings of 10 or more (spontaneous or planned)
2. To avoid eating at dine-in restaurants, bars and food courts, however carry-out and drive-thru are allowed
3. In accordance with the guidelines from the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes, long term care facilities, retirement homes and assisted living facilities unless to provide critical assistance
4. Schools shall remain closed

If you must go out to places like gas stations, grocery stores, parks and banks, be sure to maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others.

Always practice good hand washing for 20 seconds with warm soap and water, cover your cough, avoid touching your face and stay home when you do not feel well.

For more information on this order, attached is the press release from Governor Parsons.

https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-directs-dhss-director-require-social-distancing-statewide?fbclid=IwAR10nBe6VRDwCHh3fSSorWw3wPqlF-oRMaA_z5vgqOfDXwo6O_5PCu9vGlM

Macon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Press Release regarding enforcement of this executive order: March 23, 2020 – Prosecuting Attorney Press Release

March 17, 2020 By Mike Chambers

CoVid-19 — click here for March 11th press release

More info to be found under the COVID-19 tab on the main page!

February 6, 2020 By Mike Chambers

2019 Novel Coronavirus Press Release

February 6 press release

February 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS

Coronaviruses are common viruses that cause upper respiratory symptoms like throat discomfort, followed by sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing and decreased energy level. There are many different strands of coronaviruses that can cause the common cold and pneumonia. It is a common family of viruses that causes us to be sick!

Currently there is an outbreak of one specific strand of coronavirus called 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is called this because it is a new strand that has recently been identified. This specific strand of coronavirus has been in the news and is being monitored as an outbreak in China. The 2019 novel coronavirus is a virus that is transmitted from person to person through contact and being close to an infected person who coughs and sneezes.

As of February 5, 2020, the CDC has no reported cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus strand in the state of Missouri, with only 11 total positive cases in the United States. Positive cases have been confirmed in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington. The CDC has stated “for the general American population, who has been unlikely to be exposed to this virus, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV is considered low at this time.”

If you feel sick with a cough, fever and/or difficulty breathing and have travelled to China in the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone who has travelled to China, seek medical care to ensure you do not have 2019 novel coronavirus. The CDC recommends calling the emergency room or your doctor’s office before going in to let them know of your symptoms and recent travel or exposure.

To prevent any virus, including the 2019 novel coronavirus and the flu:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer until soap and water become available.
Stay home when you are sick to prevent infecting others.
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw that tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands.
Avoid close contact with people when you feel sick.
Clean and disinfect your home, office and other areas you frequent. This includes things like kids’ toys, your computer, your phone and your vehicle.
To prevent the flu, make sure to get your flu vaccine each flu season. There is not currently a vaccine to help protect against any coronavirus.

The Macon County Health Department will work to keep you informed as this is an on-going health risk. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Macon County Health Department at 660-395-4711 or visit our Facebook page for updates, announcements and education about the 2019 novel coronavirus.

February 5, 2020 By Mike Chambers

Coronavirus FYI: Click here

Coronavirus FYI: Coronaviruses are common viruses that cause upper respiratory symptoms like throat discomfort, followed by sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing and decreased energy level. There are many different types of coronaviruses that can cause the common cold and pneumonia. It is a common virus that causes us to be sick!

Currently, there is an outbreak of one specific type of coronavirus called 2019-nCoV. This specific type has been in the news that is being monitored in China. As of January 30, 2020, the CDC has NO reported cases of this in Missouri.

For more information visit the cdc website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

As always, we would like to remind you to stay home when you are sick, use proper hand washing techniques, cover your cough, and contact your health care provider if you have any concerns.

Macon County Health Department

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