COVID-19 Update From Macon Health Department

March 18, 2020

As of March 18, there are 15 positive cases of COVID-19 in Missouri located in Boone County, Cass County, Cole County, Greene County, Henry County, Jackson County, St. Louis City, St. Louis County.

We encourage you to practice social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is a practice that keeps yourself at a distance from others. Social distancing helps prevent the spread of any virus, especially because someone may not know they are ill or not experiencing symptoms.

If you are in public or around others, keep a distance (recommended is 6 feet) between yourself and others.

Stay home and avoid unnecessary trips outside the home, especially when you are experiencing symptoms or are sick.

If you or someone in your household is positive for COVID-19, everyone should self-isolate in their home for 14 days to avoid spreading the illness to others.

The CDC recommends no gatherings larger than 50 people for the next 8 weeks and all public schools in Macon County have been closed, in hopes of helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. The President has released a directive called “15 Days to Slow the Spread” which urges no more than groups of 10. It is difficult to make a decision to cancel such events and outings, so we hope you use this time as intended to stay home and practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of any virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. The virus can cause a mild to moderate illness, but can be fatal and is expected to be the worst for the elderly and those with other chronic health conditions. Symptoms are expected to appear 2-14 days after being infected. Some may not experience any symptoms at all, which is why it is important to create that social distance between yourself and others.

We are asking clients to call if they are not feeling well or showing symptoms of any illness before coming in to the health department to make arrangements to meet them outside or make an appointment to receive their services. I’ve attached the sign we have posted on our door.

If you have questions regarding COVID-19, please reach out to the Macon County Health Department at 660-395-4711. For questions about testing, you can also contact the DHSS COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411.