COVID-19, commonly called coronavirus or novel coronavirus, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It can affect anyone, and all age groups should take it seriously. Source

A coronavirus is a kind of virus that causes respiratory diseases. There are different kinds of coronavirus, but COVID-19 is the name of the specific virus that has caused the current pandemic. Source

COVID-19 is short for Corona Virus Disease 2019. Source

The outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and has since spread to more than 200 countries. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic, which means that it has spread all over the world. Source 1 Source 2

Not everyone who has COVID-19 will have the same symptoms. Symptoms can include:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

These symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Some people who have COVID-19 do not show symptoms but can still spread the virus to other people. Source

Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people who have COVID-19 do not feel sick or show symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. Source

If you are told you are asymptomatic, it means you are not showing symptoms of having the virus. You could be carrying the virus without knowing it and without feeling or looking sick and still spread the virus to others. Source

The virus can affect anyone. All age groups should take the risk of COVID-19 seriously. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (like asthma, lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease) appear to be highest risk of becoming severely ill with the virus. It is important to know that there is no way to tell how the virus will affect you. Source 1 Source 2

The risk of catching COVID-19 depends on who you’ve come in contact with. While anyone can catch COVID-19, taking the right safety measures such as staying home, practicing physical distancing (staying at least six feet away from people you don’t live with), and frequent hand washing can lower your risk.

If you have been in close contact with people with COVID-19 or have visited areas where the virus is spreading, you have a higher risk of getting COVID-19. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (like asthma, lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease) appear to be highest risk of becoming severely ill with the virus, but there is no way to tell how the virus will affect you. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Source

Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (like asthma, lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease) appear to be highest risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19. However, anyone can develop severe symptoms There is no way to tell how the virus will affect you. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

This is not something that is known right now. The CDC is currently studying if it is possible to get COVID-19 more than once. Source

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is not listed as a main symptom of COVID-19 by the CDC or WHO. The American Academy of Ophthalmology classifies pink eye as an uncommon symptom of COVID-19, possibly present in 1% to 3% of those infected. More research is needed to show a direct connection between pink eye and COVID-19. Source

There is increasing evidence that a lost sense of smell or taste may be a symptom of COVID-19. More research is being done. If you find yourself newly unable to smell, call your doctor. He or she may prompt you to get tested and to self-isolate. Source

There is little evidence on the relationship between smoking or vaping and COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says vaping has an unknown effect on the risk of COVID-19, while warning that smoking can create worse outcomes. Source

If you think you are sick with COVID-19, call your doctor for medical advice. Stay home except to get medical care. Your doctor may refer you for testing to confirm that you have COVID-19. If it is a medical emergency, call 911. Source 1 Source 2

Stay home. If you have mild symptoms, you may be able to recover at home. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor. Your doctor may refer you for testing to confirm that you have it. Follow the advice of your doctor and local public health department while isolating in your home. Source

If you think you are sick with COVID-19, call your doctor for medical advice. Stay home except to get medical care. Your doctor may refer you for testing to confirm that you have it. Source 1 Source 2

The FDA has approved the Pixel by LabCorp test for at-home COVID-19 testing. You can buy the kit for $119, swab your own nose, and return the kit in the mail for testing. It is important to note this test is only designed to determine active infection, not detect antibodies or immunity. It may take longer to receive results from at-home tests. If you think you are sick with COVID-19, call your doctor for advice. Source 1 Source 2

Emergency warning signs include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Ongoing pain or pressure in your chest.
• New mental confusion or inability to wake a person.
• Bluish lips or face.

This list is not all inclusive. If you think it’s an emergency, call 911. Notify the operator that you have or think you have COVID-19. Source

Call 911 if you think it’s an emergency or if you have an emergency warning sign, like shortness of breath that turns into trouble breathing or a high fever. If you call for an ambulance, tell the emergency responders that you have COVID-19 symptoms so they can take extra steps to protect themselves from infection. Source

If you have mild symptoms, you may be able to recover at home. Although there is currently no treatment specifically for COVID-19, you can take steps to manage your symptoms at home. Stay connected with your doctor for specific advice.

Stay away from other people in your home. Wash your hands often. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces every day.

Yes. You should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom if you can. Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom every day.

Wear a cloth face covering that covers both the nose and mouth when you must be around other people if you do not have difficulty breathing. If you can not wear a cloth face covering, other people in your home should wear one. Source

If you or your family member has mild symptoms, they may be able to recover at home. Although there is currently no treatment specifically for COVID-19, you can take steps to manage symptoms at home. Stay connected with your doctor for specific advice.

• Family members who have COVID-19 should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible and away from other people and pets. If you can, have sick family members use a separate bathroom. Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the “sick room” and bathroom every day.
• Sick family members should wear a cloth face covering that covers both their nose and mouth when they must be around other people. If they can not wear a face covering, you should wear one.
• Call 911 if your family member has an emergency warning sign, like shortness of breath that turns into trouble breathing or a high fever. If you call for an ambulance, tell the emergency responders that your family member has COVID-19 symptoms so they can take extra steps to protect themselves from infection.

You need to wait 5-10 days after you believe you were exposed to be tested. If you test too soon you may get a false negative test result, and you could unknowingly spread the virus to others

COVID-19 testing can be done in hospitals, urgent care facilities, pharmacies, or temporary drive-thru sites. Work with a healthcare provider you trust to identify an option that works for you.

If you are in an urban area and have access to a computer, start with Google to find local testing facilities and schedule an appointment.

You can also call your local health department and ask about testing facilities in your area.

In most cases, you will need to call ahead or schedule an appointment online. If you need to cancel your appointment or leave before getting tested, let the staff know.

You may need a physician’s referral or a pre-test evaluation depending on the facility.

Make an appointment with the testing facility. Appointments limit the number of people who will be in the facility at a given time, which keeps everyone safe. If you need to cancel your appointment or leave before getting tested, let the staff know.

Wear your mask to your appointment and practice physical distancing while waiting. Wash or sanitize your hands before entering the facility and after your test.

Follow the guidelines set by the testing facility. Some will require you to wait outside or in your car until they are ready to see you. Call ahead so you know what to do.

Generally, you only need to be tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or know you have been exposed to the virus.

Requirements differ from place-to-place. Before traveling, check the latest requirements for your destination.

The availability of COVID-19 tests has improved since the beginning of the pandemic, but there is still a limited supply of tests. To help ensure that tests are available for the people who need them, you should only get a test if you are experiencing symptoms or know you have been exposed to COVID-19.

Tests can take as little as 24 hours or as long as two weeks to process, depending on how many tests are being performed. When scheduling your testing appointment, ask how long results will take and how you will be notified.

Yes! If you think you may have the virus, you need to stay home and stay away from others to avoid spreading COVID-19 while you wait for results. Source

Vaccines protect people from specific diseases by training the immune system to recognize and attack a virus before it can make them sick.

Vaccines also protect the community. When most of a population is immune to an infectious disease, people who are not immune are also protected because it is harder for the disease to spread. This also makes it harder for the virus to mutate.

Diseases that were once common in the U.S. – like measles, mumps and polio – are now very rare because most Americans have immunity through vaccines.

Vaccines must go through many tests and approval processes to make sure they are effective and safe before they are distributed to the public.

Vaccines usually go through six stages of development. During these stages, the vaccines being studied are called “candidates.”

1. Exploratory Stage
2. Pre-Clinical Stage
3. Clinical Trials – Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
4. Manufacturing
5. Regulatory Review and Approval
6. Quality Control

To speed up the process for COVID-19 vaccines, some of these stages are happening at the same time. For example, drug companies may begin making a vaccine while it is still in Phase 3 clinical trials so that the vaccine is ready to distribute immediately if it is approved.

There are multiple international groups developing a vaccine.

In the U.S., the CDC, FDA, Department of the Defense (DoD), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others are collaborating to produce and distribute the a vaccine in an effort called Operation Warp Speed.

Companies working to develop vaccines include AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, Pfizer, BioNTech, and Cytiva.

In December 2020, the FDA gave emergency use approval to the first COVID-19 vaccines, created by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Emergency use approval was given to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in February. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4

The FDA issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA determined that the vaccines may be effective in preventing COVID-19 and the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks.

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is an authority granted to the FDA which can be utilized when there is a public health emergency to facilitate the availability and use of medical solutions, including vaccines. The FDA may allow the use of unapproved medical products, or unapproved uses of approved medical products in an emergency to diagnose, treat or prevent serious life-threatening diseases or conditions.

Before approval, the COVID-19 vaccine was rigorously tested through a series of clinical trials to generate the data and other information needed by the FDA to determine safety and effectiveness. The clinical trials were conducted according to the rigorous standards set by the FDA.

Missouri is now in Phase 3 and all residents can get a free COVID vaccine.

All Missourians over age 16 can get a free COVID vaccine. There are multiple options for where you can get vaccinated, including local public health departments, hospitals, mass vaccination events, and pharmacies. Find a vaccine.

There are multiple agencies responsible for making sure new vaccines are safe. Before a vaccine becomes available, it must go through several rounds of tests with human volunteers. The FDA reviews the results of these studies before authorizing vaccines. The FDA also inspects the factories where vaccines are produced to ensure quality and safety.

Once a vaccine is released, agencies in the national vaccine monitoring system continue to oversee the safety of vaccines. These agencies monitor the safety of hundreds of millions of vaccines every year and include:

• Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS)
• The Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD)
• Post-licensure Rapid Immunization Safety Monitoring System (PRISM)
• Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA)
• The Department of Defense (DoD)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP)

Source 1, Source 2

The COVID-19 vaccines are available and recommended for older adolescents and adults. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 16 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are authorized for people 18 and older. Research on COVID vaccines for younger adolescents is ongoing and vaccines could be authorized for this age group later in 2021. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two shots for full protection. Like other vaccines, there may be a need for “booster” shots in the future if immunity decreases. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires a single dose for full protection. Source 1, Source 2

Side effects are a normal part of vaccination. After getting a vaccine, the body launches an immune response that can produce short-term symptoms. These symptoms are a positive sign that the body is building immunity. During clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines, some participants reported side effects including exhaustion or tiredness, muscle pain, chills, and fever. These symptoms were more common after the second dose of the vaccine and usually last for one or two days. These side effects do not mean that you are sick with COVID-19.

The potential side effects of a vaccine are much less serious than the long-term, life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19. Talk with your healthcare provider about any worries you may have about the vaccine and how you will handle potential side effects. Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4

In clinical trials, vaccine researchers are studying how well vaccines protect volunteers from getting sick with COVID-19. Researchers give the vaccine to some volunteers and give other volunteers a “placebo,” or a shot that contains no medicine. Researchers then compare how many volunteers in each group became sick with COVID-19. This is called “efficacy” or “effectiveness.”

In Phase 3 clinical trials, the efficacy was 94.5% for the Moderna vaccine, 95% for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and 85% for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. All of the vaccines offer excellent protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID.

Researchers are continuing to study how well the vaccine works in the real world and in specific groups of people. Source 1, Source 2

The Johnson & Johnson clinical trials showed the vaccine protected against several emerging variants. The Pfizer vaccine was tested before the variants were common, but new research suggests that the Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will protect against the new strains of coronavirus found in the U.K. and South Africa. The preliminary study did not look at the Moderna vaccine, but similar testing will soon be done. Source

COVID-19 is a relatively new virus in humans. We don’t know yet know long immunity from infection or vaccination will last. Some people have been infected with COVID-19 more than once, which shows that immunity from natural infection may not last very long. Immunity from the vaccine is expected to last longer, but researchers will need to continue studying this question. Source 1, Source 2

Vaccines are an important tool in ending the pandemic and allowing vaccinated individuals safely return to normal activities. While many have received the vaccine, it will take several months to achieve herd immunity and stop the spread of the virus. In the meantime, we need to continue taking safety steps like frequent handwashing, wearing face masks, and physical distancing to prevent to protect ourselves and others. Source 1, Source 2

Technically, yes. States have the legal and constitutional power to introduce a vaccine mandate requiring people who live in the state to be vaccinated. Upon full approval from the FDA, states could make the COVID-19 vaccine a requirement before returning or accessing workplaces, schools and colleges. As of April 2021, no states had announced plans to mandate the vaccine. Missouri Governor Mike Parson has said he will not require vaccinations in Missouri. Source 1, Source 2

Yes. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), workplaces can require that employees get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, if an employee chooses not to be vaccinated due to a disability or religious reasons, they cannot be fired, and the employer must make accommodations such as allowing the employee to work from home. The EEOC states that vaccination is not considered a “medical examination,” which employers cannot mandate.

In April 2021, the CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six reported cases of a rare type of blood clot called “cerebral venous sinus thrombosis” (CVST).

Out of an abundance of caution, distribution of the vaccine stopped while experts reviewed the safety of the vaccine. After their review, the FDA and CDC determined that the vaccine is safe and that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks. They also educated doctors on how to identify and treat this rare side effect.

Health experts advise people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to not be overly worried but to watch for possible warning signs including severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health provider.

Source 1, Source 2

Although there is currently no treatment specifically for COVID-19, you can take steps to manage your symptoms at home. It is important to reach out to and stay connected with your doctor for specific advice.

• Rest and sleep.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease sore throat and cough.

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are prescription drugs used to prevent malaria and treat some autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials are underway to see if the drugs can benefit COVID-19 patients or health care workers who are exposed to the virus. The drugs are not approved for treating COVID-19 and there is no evidence that they can prevent infection.

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can have serious side effects including fatal changes in heart rhythms, especially when combined with other medicines. The FDA warns that the drugs should only be used to treat COVID-19 in hospitals or clinical trials where patients can be closely monitored for heart problems. The drugs are not safe for people with abnormal heart rhythms, liver disease or kidney disease.

Do not buy these medications from online pharmacies or begin taking them without a prescription from your health care provider. If you are taking hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine and experience irregular heartbeats, dizziness, or fainting, seek medical attention right away by calling 911.

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4

COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
• Touching a surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

Community spread is a term to describe the spread of a disease in an area where there is not a clear chain of events or connection to a person who is known to be infected.

Most droplets from coughs or sneezes land on surfaces, but some are light enough to hang in the air for several minutes. After about 20 minutes, most droplets will have landed on a surface. Source 1 Source 2

COVID-19 can last on surfaces from a couple hours or up to several days, depending on the type of surface. This is why it is important to clean and disinfect surfaces in your home. You can follow these suggestions to see how you can best clean various surfaces. Source

There is little evidence that you can get COVID-19 through food. Continue to practice proper food preparation safety by washing your hands before preparing food and thoroughly cooking your food. Source

COVID-19 is not known to spread through food, including meat. The biggest concern regarding coronavirus and food safety depends more on general hygiene than contaminated food. As an extra precaution, follow standard food safety steps. Before and after handling raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing food. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from other foods in your grocery shopping cart, grocery bags and refrigerator. And never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs unless the plate has been washed in hot, soapy water. Source 1 Source 2

While there is no evidence that you can get COVID-19 through food, we recommend following the FDA’s four steps to food safety. Rinse fruits and vegetables without soap, and do not wash meats or dairy products. Do not use hand sanitizer on fruits and vegetables. Source

At this time there is no evidence that pets can become sick with or spread COVID-19. While the CDC has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, there have been pets in Hong Kong and Belgium that have tested positive for COVID-19.

It is not yet known if weather and temperature affect the spread of COVID-19. Source

COVID-19 can spread by touching a surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. There have not been any reports of people becoming sick after handling packages from other countries. Still, it is a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after handling mail or other deliveries.

The best way to prevent illness is to take steps to prevent getting the virus. Stay home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary visitors. If you must go out in public, cover your nose and mouth with a face mask. Avoid crowds and stay at least six feet away from people who don’t live with you. Wash your hands frequently, with soap, for at least 20 seconds. Don’t touch your face. Source

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces with soap and water followed by a household disinfecting wipe or spray. Always follow directions and use disinfectants safely. Never mix products containing bleach with products containing ammonia. And never swallow or drink disinfectants or household cleaners.

• Face masks should:
  • Fully cover your nose and mouth.
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Include a nose wire to help the mask fit against your nose.
  • Include multiple layers of fabric.
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops.
  • Allow for breathing without restriction.
  • Be able to be washed with hot water in a washing machine.
• Do not use masks made of loosely woven fabric, or masks with exhalation valves or vents.
• When removing your face mask, grab it by the ear loops to keep the mask clean. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands immediately after removing the mask.
• Wash your mask regularly in a washing machine. If possible, wash your mask after each use.

Yes. Masks are one of the best tools available to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The virus can spread from person to person on respiratory droplets that exit our nose and mouth when we cough, sneeze, talk, and breathe. Masks prevent you from unknowingly spreading the virus to others. Masks also offer protection to you, especially if your mask has multiple layers to keep droplets out.

Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings, especially where physical distancing is harder to maintain.

Cloth face coverings offer some protection but are not a replacement for other measures of protection like hand washing and physical distancing. You should still wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep six feet between yourself and others.

If you must go out in public, you should cover your nose and mouth with a cloth face covering or mask. In addition to hand washing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask offers protection to you and to the people around you.

If you think you are sick with COVID-19, wear a cloth face mask that covers both your nose and mouth when you must be around others in your home.

Face masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who cannot remove the mask without help. Source

The CDC has instructions for two kinds of cloth face coverings – one you can sew and one you can make without sewing.

Masks with multiple layers improve protection to you and the people around you. You can add layers by wearing one mask over another (called double masking) or wearing one mask with multiple layers of fabric.

If you choose to double mask, wear a disposable mask against your face and a cloth mask on top. The edges of the disposable mask should fit snugly but comfortably against your face. Do not layer multiple disposable masks or layer masks on top of a KN95 mask. Source

Yes. Like the coronavirus we have been living with for the last year, the new variants are viruses that can spread from person to person on respiratory droplets. Masks prevent you from unknowingly spreading the virus to others and also protect you from other people’s droplets.

The new variants of COVID-19 appear to spread more easily between people. The presence of these variants makes it more important than ever to wear a mask. Choose a mask with multiple layers that fully covers your nose and mouth.

Yes. Even after you are fully vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask to protect the people around you. The vaccine is effective at preventing you from getting sick with COVID-19, but you may still be able to spread the virus to others. Research about this is ongoing. Until we know more, we all need to continue taking steps like masking to stop the spread.

Yes! Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 can get onto your hands from coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated objects. Germs on unwashed hands can spread to other people and enter your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Removing these germs through handwashing can prevent infections like COVID-19.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. 20 seconds is about as long as it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

Follow these steps for the most effective hand washing.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water. Turn off the water and apply soap.
2. Lather up the soap by rubbing your hands together. Be sure to scrub both sides of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well with clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. Apply the hand sanitizer to your palm and rub all over your hands until the product is dry. Whenever possible, wash your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizers may not be as effective on very dirty or greasy hands and may not remove all kinds of germs.

Physical distancing, also called “social distancing” means staying at least six feet away from anyone you don’t live with. COVID-19 is most commonly spread through the air (by talking, coughing, or sneezing) and through close personal contact (like touching or shaking hands). Physical distancing helps stop the spread from person to person.

Practice physical distancing by avoiding any place or event where there are large groups of people. This may include public transportation, shopping malls, church services, and gyms. Avoid having any unnecessary visitors or workers in your house, and do not visit others in their homes.

Physical distancing can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by reducing close contact between people. Even people who don’t have symptoms or feel sick can spread COVID-19 to others. To stop the spread, practice physical distancing even if you and the people around you feel healthy.

A six-foot distance is about the same as:

• The width of the average car.
• A normal, three-seat couch.
• The length of a mattress.
• The height of a door.

It is impossible to predict exactly when we will be able to fully return to more familiar way of life without these restrictions. Physical distancing and other safety practices like staying at home will likely need to continue for some time to ensure there is not a new increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The more we stay home, the better. Consider mail-order services for medication and grocery delivery services available through your grocery store or services like Instacart. If delivery is not an option, look for stores that offer curbside pickup and will bring orders out to your car.

Designate one person from your household to make any necessary shopping trips. This limits the possibilities that someone in your home will be exposed to the virus. When making essential trips, it is important to follow physical distancing guidelines and stay at least six feet away from others.

Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease like COVID-19 and monitoring those people to stop the spread of disease.

Local public health experts and patients work together to make a list of people the patient interacted with while they were contagious. The public health experts then contact the people on the list, warn them that they may have been exposed to the virus, and give them guidance on what to do next.

The contacts are not told who the patient is unless the patient specifically gives permission. Public health experts work diligently to protect patient confidentiality.

Public health experts at local public health departments are responsible for contact tracing in their own communities. They work with patients to identify anyone the patient may have had contact with while they were contagious. This might include family, friends, co-workers, and community members.

Contact tracing allows public health experts to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus and provide them with resources and information about how to protect themselves and others from the spread of disease.

Depending on your contact with the patient, you may be asked to self-quarantine or you may be asked to visit with the contact tracer periodically and report if you have any symptoms. This will also allow for quicker testing if you become ill.

Yes. Public health experts around the world are successfully using contact tracing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts regularly use contact tracing for tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, Ebola, SARS and other infections that are spread from person-to-person.

You will receive a call from your local public health department if you are not hospitalized at the time of testing. Sometimes you will also hear from your local provider who performed the test. Once you are contacted by the local public health department, they will ask you questions to help determine who you have been in contact with to begin contact tracing.

Local public health experts will ask you a series of questions to help you remember who you may have had contact with while you were contagious. They may ask where you work, where you have shopped, where you ate, and who you visited with. The more detail you can give, the better.

Contacts can include anyone you have interacted with while contagious. First, public health experts will want to identify the “close contacts” whom you have been within 6 feet of for more than a few minutes. After identifying close contacts, public health experts will help you list all other contacts.

Public health experts use a variety of methods to reach contacts as quickly as possible. If the person’s contact information is known, public health experts will make a personal phone call.

When exposure occurs in a public place and the patient does not know who was there, public health experts may issue a media release to notify anyone who may have been in a certain place at a certain time. They will instruct these people to contact their local public health department.

Remember that information about contact tracing will only come from a local public health expert.

You may be asked to stay home and isolate yourself from others for up to 2 weeks. You will be given instructions on how to monitor your symptoms and what to do if symptoms develop or worsen. Public health experts may continue to check in with you to monitor your health and provide additional instructions.

Public health experts will help you make a plan for self-quarantine. Tell them about any concerns you may have.

Public health experts may ask if you have had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms. They may also ask questions to determine if you can safely isolate yourself from others.

Because you may have unknowingly spread the virus to others, you may be asked where you work, where you have shopped, and who you have visited to help the public health expert find additional contacts.

No. To protect patient privacy, contacts are told only that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. You will not be told the identity of the patient who may have exposed you to the virus unless the patient has asked that you be told.

When you talk to public health experts, please provide as much information as you can. It is very important that they be able to locate anyone you may have been in contact with.

You can help the process move more quickly if you start keeping a record now of the places you go each day and who you have contact with. If you are contacted by public health experts, you will be prepared to share the list with the public health expert to help speed up their contact tracing process.

You can download and print a contact tracking worksheet here.

Yes. To protect patient privacy, contacts are told only that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Contacts are not told the identity of the patient who may have exposed them, unless the patient specifically gives public health experts permission to share that information.

No, there are communicable disease statutes in place that require people with a communicable disease to provide local public health departments with as much information as possible to stop the spread of disease.

You will be asked for names, phone numbers, addresses, and other identifying information you may have for anyone you may have been in contact with. This is to help the local public health department reach these contacts faster. A quick response can help significantly to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Local public health agencies protect the personal information you provide in accordance with state and federal privacy regulations.

Local public health experts understand your desire for privacy and must follow state and federal regulations on protecting personal health information. Your information will only be used to help slow and stop the spread of disease. Unless you give the local public health agency permission to share your name with contacts, they will not do so.

Local public health experts understand your desire for privacy. They are bound by state and federal regulations, including HIPAA. Your information will only be used to help slow and stop the spread of disease. Unless you give the local public health agency permission to share your name with contacts, they will not do so.

Your local public health department will not ask you for information that could be used by identity thieves, like social security numbers.

Yes. You won’t be asked any personal information other than what is needed to be sure the local public health department is talking to the patient that they need to interview.

Gathering in a large group of people that you do not live with increases your chances of getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. Celebrate Thanksgiving with the people in your household instead of hosting or going to a large gathering this year.

Find alternative ways to connect with loved ones you do not live with – especially those who are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Prepare traditional recipes for family members or neighbors and deliver a meal to them. Or host a virtual gathering with family and friends to eat, play games, and share recipes together.

Travel can increase your chances of catching and spreading COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 is by staying home and planning an alternative Thanksgiving this year.

If your holidays plans include travel, follow these best practices to stop the spread:

• Wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth when in public.
• Practice physical distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Avoid touching your face.

If anyone in your household is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home. If you think you have been exposed to the virus while traveling, self-quarantine to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. Call your doctor if you begin to develop symptoms.

See the CDC’s guidelines for different types of travel.

COVID-19 can spread through the air when you breathe, talk, cough, or sneeze. Unfortunately, sharing a meal together creates an opportunity for COVID-19 and other germs to spread through the air. We recommend celebrating Thanksgiving dinner with only the people in your household this year to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19.

COVID-19 can also spread when you touch a surface with the virus on it, then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. Avoid having multiple people touch the same utensils by having one person serve each dish. Wash your hands often – especially before eating, drinking and preparing food.

Black Friday shopping usually involves large groups of people crowded together indoors, making it a high-risk activity. Look for alternative ways to do your holiday shopping safely this year.

Many stores are changing Black Friday plans and offering more online deals or curbside pickup to reduce crowds and eliminate the need to rush into stores. Plan to do your in-person holiday shopping at less busy times so you can practice physical distancing in the stores. Always wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to protect the people around you.

No. To help ensure that tests are available for the people who need them, you should only get a test if you are experiencing symptoms or know you have been exposed to COVID-19.

The best course of action is to avoid catching COVID-19 in the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Limit your outings to only necessary trips. Use curbside pickup instead of shopping or eating indoors. Practice physical distancing and do not gather in large groups. Always wear a mask and wash your hands frequently.

By reducing your risk of exposure, you can reduce the risk of unknowingly spreading COVID-19.

With stay-at-home orders and other restrictions lifted, local and state officials are closely monitoring for an increase in COVID-19 cases and possible second wave. If there is an increase in cases, states and counties may need to re-issue safeguards to stop the spread of the virus.

There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be spread through pools, creeks, rivers or lakes. Continue to practice physical distancing and avoid close contact with people you do not live with while enjoying activities around water. Source

Continue to avoid any place or event where there are large groups of people. There is no statewide limit on the size of gatherings, but your city or county may have limitations on how large group gatherings can be.

It is up to you and your family members to decide whether you are comfortable with the risk of visiting each other. Only you know how well you have been following public health guidelines to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (like asthma, lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease) appear to be at highest risk of becoming severely ill with the virus and should continue to avoid visiting with people they do not live with.

If you decide to visit with your family, it is best to practice physical distancing by staying 6 feet apart and avoiding close contact like hugging and kissing.

Guidelines for these types of gatherings will vary from community to community. The best recommendations for your area will come from your local public health experts.

Talk with the event organizers to understand how they will prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Express any concerns you have about their ability to limit the spread of the virus during planned activities.

Teach your child about how to protect themselves and their friends from germs by:

• Washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Not touching their face
• Wearing a mask
• Avoiding hugging, wrestling and other close contact with their friends

Continue to avoid any event where there are large groups of people. There will likely be limitations on events for some time. Check with your local public health department for guidance.

If you can avoid it, you should not travel or go on vacation. The CDC recommends that you stay home as much as possible and practice physical distancing. Traveling increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Remember that you can spread COVID-19 to others even if you are not showing symptoms. Keep in mind this will be a gradual process to return to a more familiar way of life, including travel. The more we stay at home and physically distancing from others, the sooner this will happen.

Remember that even if a state or a country has lifted its stay-at-home order, it does not mean that the virus has been eliminated in that area. The safest option is to avoid nonessential travel and stay home.

If you do travel, wash your hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth with a face mask, and stay at least 6 feet apart from other people when possible. Check local announcements to see if there are any restrictions or other travel disruptions you should know about before you go.

If you must travel, wash your hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth with a face mask, and stay at least 6 feet apart from other people when possible.

Check local announcements to see if there are any restrictions or other travel disruptions you should know about before you go. Always follow recommended safety measures such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing.

If you think you have been exposed to the virus while traveling, self-quarantine to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. Call your doctor if you begin to develop symptoms.

It is not yet known how the spread of COVID-19 will be affected by warm weather. Source

Researchers and experts are still working to determine if COVID-19 is seasonal or not. Some other types of coronavirus are seasonal, but this strain of coronavirus is still being researched. Seasonal viruses like the cold and flu do not go away entirely in summer months and can still spread from person to person.

There is no evidence to suggest that sunshine or sunlight kills coronavirus. Source

School leaders and local public health experts are working together to plan for the school year. Every school or school district will have an individual plan that fits the needs of the students and staff and is realistic for the schools to carry out.

There is still a lot to learn about the virus, including what the long-term impacts of infection may be. We do know that anyone can catch COVID-19 and that it is impossible to predict how mild or severe it may become. People of all ages should take the virus seriously and take steps to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19. The best actions to take are frequent hand washing, physical distancing and wearing a face covering when in public.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever or chills, coughing, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Not everyone who has COVID-19 will have the same symptoms. Students and staff who are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and call their doctor for guidance. Generally, if you are not feeling well, you should stay home. It is a good idea to stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever, but you should check with your school for specific guidelines about when it is ok to return.

Yes. Children over age two can and should wear masks over their nose and mouth to stop the spread at school. Wearing a mask might be uncomfortable sometimes, but it is very important for keeping friends, classmates and teachers healthy. Make sure you have a mask that fits your child – and experiment with different kinds of masks to see which is the best for your child. Practicing wearing masks correctly over the summer can help ease children’s transition to wearing masks at school.

When there is a case of COVID-19 at school, schools can follow a process similar to contact tracing to minimize the spread of the virus. Anyone who was in close contact with the patient would be asked to stay home and monitor their health to see if any symptoms develop. Keeping consistent seating charts in classrooms and on school buses can help schools alert those contacts quickly and stop the spread.

If there are multiple cases at one time or several days in a row with new cases, schools may need to close temporarily and will work with local public health experts to determine if additional steps are needed to stop the spread.

We cannot predict exactly when we will be able to return to a more normal way of life in our communities and at school. It will take time and will likely not be over quickly. The more consistently we follow guidelines like physical distancing, wearing masks and washing our hands, the sooner it will happen.

While children do not appear to be at a higher risk for COVID-19 infection, they may still get sick or spread the disease. Physical distancing and limiting their time with at-risk people help protect them from getting COVID-19. For a full list of suggestions and recommendations, visit the CDC’s page on caring for children.

• It is important to protect yourself and your baby by washing your hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding people who are sick or may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Pregnant people seem to have the same risk of COVID-19 as adults who are not pregnant. A very small number of newborn babies have tested positive for the virus. It is unknown if these babies got the virus before or after birth.
• If you feel sick or your baby is sick, call your doctor right away. The CDC has more information on COVID-19 for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Breast milk provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for most infants. You, along with your family and healthcare providers, should decide whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding.

If you feel sick or your baby is sick, call your doctor right away. The CDC has more information on COVID-19 for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends staying away from pets if you are sick with COVID-19.

When possible, have another family member take care of feeding and caring for your pet. If this isn’t possible, or if you have a service animal, take the following precautions:

• Wear a cloth face covering when caring for your pet or service animal if you do not have difficulty breathing.
• Do not pet, share food, kiss, or hug your pet or service animal.
• Wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet or service animal.
• Do not share dishes, towels, or bedding with your pet or service animal.
• If your pet is sick, call your local veterinarian. Tell them if you or a family member is sick with COVID-19. Source

Although we are still learning about this virus, it appears it can spread from people to animals in some situations. The CDC is aware of a small number of pets and animals both in the U.S. and abroad that have tested positive for COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people infected with COVID-19. If a person inside the household becomes sick, the CDC recommends isolating that person from everyone else, including pets. Source

The first case of COVID-19 in Missouri was reported in early March.

Visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for more information or your local public health department’s website to find out about estimated cases in your county.

Missouri’s stay-at-home order from Governor Parson expired on May 4, 2020. Currently, Missouri is in Phase 1 of the “Show Me Strong” recovery order, which went into effect on June 1 and will continue through June 15 unless extended further. The order provides some loosening of restrictions with an emphasis on maintaining social distancing. A link to specifics of the order can be found here.

“Stay Home Missouri” was put into place to protect public health and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The more consistently we all stay at home, follow physical distancing guidelines, and continue other actions like washing our hands, the sooner we will be able to return to a more familiar way of life.

The State of Missouri, under guidance from local, state and federal health officials, is continuing to closely monitor COVID-19 cases in the state. If a widespread increase in COVID-19 cases threatens the health and safety of Missourians, public health and government officials could decide to implement another stay-at-home order in the future.

You can leave your home for essential or necessary services. This includes going to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, gas stations, and banks. You can also participate in outdoor recreation like walking, running, or biking. When making essential trips or participating in activities outside, it is important to follow physical distancing guidelines, stay at least six feet away from others, and wear a face covering or mask.

Essential or necessary trips include going to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, gas stations, and banks. When making essential trips, it is important to follow physical distancing guidelines, stay at least six feet away from others, and wear a face covering or mask.

You should also designate one person from your household to make any necessary shopping trips. This limits the possibilities that someone in your home will be exposed to the virus.

To limit your trips, consider:

• Mail-order for medications.
• Grocery delivery services through your grocery store or services like Instacart.
• Working from home if possible.
• Stores that offer curbside pickup and will bring orders out to your car.

Yes, you can participate in outdoor recreation like walking, running, or biking. Remember to keep at least six feet away from others. Avoid public spaces like parks or popular hiking trails to limit your contact with others.

Under Governor Parson’s “Show Me Strong” recovery order, individuals may attend places of worship, provided that limitations on social distancing are properly adhered to. If wanting to limit exposure, look for alternatives to view church services online or on TV and connect with family and faith community members via video chat or phone calls.

Every aspect of all our lives is being impacted by COVID-19, including our religious practices. We must change our normal behaviors to stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes how we learn, how we work, and how we worship. We encourage Missourians to either worship at home virtually or worship in-person with social distancing.

Yes, you can go to the grocery store. Remember to follow physical distancing guidelines, stay at least six feet away from others, and wear a face covering. You should also designate one person from your household to go. This limits the possibilities that someone in your home will be exposed to the virus. You can also consider grocery delivery services through your grocery store or services like Instacart.

Although restaurants may now offer dine-in service while adhering to spacing guidelines as outlined in Governor Parson’s “Show Me Strong” recovery plan, we encourage you to utilize curbside pickup or delivery options to minimize exposure. If wanting to eat inside, please maintain social distancing and abide by dine-in policies as outlined by the restaurant.

You may visit parks and enjoy outdoor recreation while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Limit your contact with other people and with frequently touched surfaces like playground equipment. You can participate in outdoor recreation like walking, running, or biking. Remember to keep at least six feet away from others.

To limit your trips, consider:

• Mail-order for medications.
• Grocery delivery services through your grocery store or services like Instacart.
• Working from home if possible.
• Stores that offer curbside pickup and will bring orders out to your car.

Physical distancing means staying at least six feet away from anyone you don’t live with. It can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by reducing close contact between people. This means avoid having any unnecessary visitors or workers in your house, and do not visit others in their homes. The more consistently we all stay at home, follow physical distancing guidelines, and continue other actions like washing our hands, the sooner we will be able to return to a more familiar way of life.

Under Phase 1 of the “Show Me Strong” recovery order, individuals cannot visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance or in end-of-life circumstances. Elderly or otherwise high-risk populations should take enhanced precautionary measures to limit exposure and potential risk of contracting COVID-19.

No. Rural areas have a unique set of things to consider when it comes to managing a pandemic illness like COVID-19. Here are some important things to remember:

• COVID-19 is spread from person to person and the virus can affect any of us. All Missourians should take the risk of COVID-19 seriously.
• Rural communities tend to be older with more pre-existing medical conditions, populations which are at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
• Rural communities have less access to doctors and healthcare facilities. These facilities in nearby communities may already be struggling to handle the existing cases in areas that have already been harder hit.
• Though the numbers may be lower than urban areas, once these communities start to see cases, they might struggle to fill basic public safety and administrative roles, especially if people such as police officers and firefighters get sick and have to self-quarantine.

The best way to keep you and your community safe and keep the number of infections low is to stay home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently and if you must go out, wear a cloth face covering or mask.

Visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for more information.

As additional information is determined on new cases, information such as county, demographics, and total counts will continue to change. Efforts are continually being made to improve data quality so that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is providing the most accurate information possible. Source

Missouri Governor Parson has issued a statewide “Show Me Strong” recovery order and continues to closely monitor Missouri COVID-19 cases for an appropriate response. Visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for more information.

For more information on how the federal government is responding to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.gov.

It is impossible to predict exactly when we will be able to fully return to a more familiar way of life. It will take time and will likely not be over quickly. The more consistently we all stay at home, follow physical distancing guidelines, and continue other actions like washing our hands, the sooner it will happen.

Keep in mind that there will be a slow process of returning to normal and moving about in public freely. Physical distancing and other safety practices like staying at home will likely need to continue for some time to make sure there is not a new increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. For example, when stay-at-home orders are lifted, there may still be limitations on how large group gatherings can be.

There will be a slow process of returning to normal and moving about in public freely. Physical distancing and other safety practices like staying at home will likely need to continue for some time to make sure there is not a new increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

It’s possible we could see an increase in COVID-19 cases as stay-at-home orders and other restrictions have been lifted. If so, states and counties may need to re-issue stay-at-home orders or put other limitations in place.

There will be a slow process of returning to normal and hosting large group gatherings. There will likely be limitations on events for some time. Check with your local public health department for guidance.

It is impossible to predict exactly when we will be able to fully return to a more familiar way of life. Keep in mind that there will be a slow process of returning to normal. There will likely be travel restrictions for some time.

Remember that even if a state or a country has lifted its stay at home order, it doesn’t mean that the virus has been eliminated in that region. The best action is to avoid any nonessential travel and stay home. If must travel, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, cover your nose and mouth with a face mask, and stay at least six feet apart from other people when possible. Check local announcements to see if there are any restrictions, concerns or other travel disruptions you should know before you go.

With states around the country reopening at different times and at different rates, it is important you know the status of the city, state or country you are going to. Always follow recommended safety measures such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing. If you think you have been exposed to the virus, self-quarantine to avoid potentially spreading COVID-19 in your community and call your local health department if you begin to develop symptoms.

No, 5G technology does not cause COVID-19.

Garlic is a healthy food but there is no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from getting COVID-19.

COVID-19 can affect any of us. Older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions (like asthma, lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease) appear to be highest risk of becoming severely ill with the virus. But anyone can become sick, and symptoms can range from mild from severe regardless of how old you are or if you have other medical conditions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends buying what your family needs for a week. Buying weeks or months of supplies in advance leads to shortages and makes it difficult for other families to take care of themselves. Consumer demand has been exceptionally high, especially for groceries, cleaning supplies and healthcare products. Supply chains haven’t been disrupted, but stores need time to restock.

No. Herd immunity is not a solution for COVID-19 for a few reasons:

• Herd immunity to diseases like mumps and polio is possible because of vaccines. There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
• In most cases, more than 80 percent of a population needs to be immune to stop the spread of a contagious disease like COVID-19. If too many people become infected, our healthcare system will be overburdened, and many more people will die.
• There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you or your family members. Even young, healthy people can become very ill from the virus.
• It may be possible to be infected with COVID-19 more than once. Even if you recover from COVID-19, it is possible you could become infected again or pass the virus to others.

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information and resources related to stress and coping with COVID-19.

People experiencing homelessness and people made homeless because of COVID-19 are at risk for infection when there is community spread. The CDC has written guides on how to care for those experiencing homelessness during this pandemic.

• Homeless shelters and similar facilities can learn more here.
• Faith-based and community organizations can learn more here.
• For general information from the CDC, click here.

One for All Missouri is a campaign aimed at sharing accurate, timely, easy-to-understand information and resources on COVID-19 with Missourians so we can stop the spread of the virus. One for All Missouri is a collaborative effort led by Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence and powered by Missouri Foundation for Health.

People can visit our website at www.oneforallmo.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter @oneforallmo.

Stopping the spread of COVID-19 must be a statewide effort. We all need to do our part to protect ourselves, our loved ones and neighbors. This includes:

• Staying home.
• Following guidance from local public health experts.
• Staying in touch with loved ones online and over the phone.
• Keeping a log of people you have come into contact with.
• Using your voice to share clear and accurate information about COVID-19 with friends and loved ones and urge them to take similar safety measures.