What to Know About Coronavirus
Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of news about the coronavirus. Also known as COVID-19, this particular virus has been spreading across the globe and raising concerns about our ability to contain the situation. I understand that many Missourians share similar concerns, so I thought I would share some information about the coronavirus and how we should approach the current situation.
For starters, COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, which is a family of viruses that can be found in people and animals. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), coronaviruses are commonly spread from infected individuals to others by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact like touching or shaking hands; and by touching surfaces with the virus on it and then your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Reported illnesses stemming from COVID-19 have ranged from mild illness (similar to a cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization.
So, as coronavirus spreads, what should you do? Well, first thing’s first – don’t panic. Medical experts at both the state and federal levels are monitoring the situation and keeping an eye out for new cases of the virus. Additionally, DHSS believes the risk to the general public for getting infected is low. While it’s a good idea in general to be prepared, there’s no need to hoard supplies. In particular, the U.S. surgeon general has urged people to stop buying face masks, because it can lead to a shortage of important resources for health care professionals combatting a wide range of other health-related issues.
While you shouldn’t panic or hoard supplies, there are some proactive steps you can take to limit being exposed to COVID-19. To reduce your risk of getting any viral respiratory infection, such as coronavirus, DHSS recommends:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If that is not available, use hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Stay home and away from others if you are sick;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands; and
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
As the situation involving coronavirus continues to evolve, it is important to stay up-to-date. Please visit the CDC and the DHSS websites for more information. If at any time you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, call your health care professional. If you have been notified by public health authorities that you might have been exposed, follow instructions provided by your local health department.
Lt. Governor Senior Service Award
The lieutenant governor’s office is now accepting nominations for Senior Service Awards. The awards are intended to promote and highlight the positive accomplishments Missouri’s senior citizens provide their local communities. Nominated individuals should be at least 60 years of age and volunteer a minimum of 25 hours per year. Applications can be found online at the lieutenant governor’s website, or you can contact my office for more information. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 28, 2020.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.