March 28, 2020 ~ 1:15 p.m.
| COVID-19 Updates |
| EJC Confirmed Case Count: 51 Cases and 1Death COVID-19 Testing Available for First Responders and Health Care Workers To qualify, public health and safety professionals must meet state laboratory criteria First responders on the front lines are working hard to protect our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to both keep them healthy and keep them on the job, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is expediting COVID-19 testing and test results for some first responders and other public health and safety professionals by processing their specimens through the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory. The expedited testing will only be for those in health care and public safety who have had close contact with suspected COVID-19 patients and subsequently experience symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. The lab can provide test results within 24 hours of receiving the specimen — a faster rate than the 8-9 days of some commercial laboratories. This means front-line professionals who test negative and recover from symptoms may return to work sooner and continue providing critical services to our community. Testing is not available for people who are asymptomatic. For testing at the state laboratory, first responders must meet two criteria: · Close contact with a suspected COVID-19 patient · Symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath First responders who meet these criteria can ask their health care providers to call the COVID-19 24-hour hotline at 877-435-8411 to request testing. Do your part to respond to this emerging public health threat: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Avoid close contact with people who are sick Avoid close contact with others Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces – View the EPA list of disinfectants Visit https://jacohd.org/coronavirus for more information. |
