Know the Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Not everyone who has COVID-19 will have the same symptoms or even show symptoms at all.

Symptoms can include but are not limited to:

Coughing
Fever
Shortness of Breath

The virus can affect anyone. All age groups should take the risk of COVID-19 seriously.

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Protesting During the Pandemic

Our neighbors across Missouri are experiencing an important moment in the conversation on racial injustice against black Americans during the global pandemic.

We believe it is important to provide information that helps support people’s need to protest to undo the systems that allow racism, and the negative health outcomes that result from it.

For people attending protests, we recommend:

• Staying 6 feet apart.
• Wearing a face mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times.
• Wearing eye protection like goggles to prevent injury.
• Using hand sanitizer and/or wearing heat resistant gloves.
• Staying hydrated and not sharing water bottles.
• Use signs instead of chanting or singing. COVID-19 spreads through droplets when we breathe, and chanting can spread those droplets further and faster.
• If you feel sick, protect your fellow protesters and stay home.

Stop the Spread of COVID-19

We can all take actions to stop the spread of COVID-19, save lives, and protect the  health of our communities.

  • Stay home.
  • Practice physical distancing (stay six feet away from other people).
  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
  • Try not to touch your face.
  • If you must go out in public, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth face covering or face mask.
  • Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces in public like elevator buttons, handrails or door handles.

You probably have questions. Here are some answers.

The more we know about COVID-19, the more we can do to stop the spread.

What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think you are sick with COVID-19, call your doctor for medical advice. Stay home except to get medical care. 

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, ongoing pain or pressure in your chest, confusion, and bluish lips or face. If you feel you have a medical emergency, call 911 right away.  

What should I do if I don’t have COVID-19?

The best solution is to take steps to prevent getting the virus in the first place. Stay home, wash your hands often, disinfect frequently touched surfaces and try not to touch your face. 

Remember that some people who have COVID-19 do not feel sick or show symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. To stop the spread, practice physical distancing (staying at least six feet away from others) even if you and the people around you feel healthy.

What kinds of testing and treatment are available for COVID-19?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor. Your doctor may refer you for testing to confirm your diagnosis. Follow the advice of your doctor and local health department while isolating in your home.   

Patients with mild symptoms may be able to recover at home. Although there is currently no treatment specifically for COVID-19, you can take steps to recover. 

  • Rest and sleep. 
  • Keep warm. 
  • Drink plenty of fluids. 
  • Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease sore throat and cough. 
What kind of face mask should I wear when I go out?

If you need to leave your home, wear a cloth face covering or mask. 

Cloth face coverings offer some protection and help people who may have COVID-19 and do not know it from spreading it to others when talking, sneezing, or coughing.  

Face coverings 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.  

Cloth face coverings should: 

  • Cover both your nose and mouth.  
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. 
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops. 
  • Include multiple layers of fabric.  
  • Allow for breathing without restriction. 
  • Be able to be washed with hot water in a washing machine. 

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

When will everything go back to normal?

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.

As we continue the “reopening” process, could there be another outbreak of COVID-19?

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.

When will I be able to travel or go on vacation?

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.

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