Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
March 26, 2020
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
Follow the steps below: If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
- Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation
- Stay away from others: As much as possible, you stay away from others. You should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible, and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- See COVID-19 and Animals is you have questions about pets.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Call ahead: Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
- If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.
If you are sick wear a facemask in the following situations, if available.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask, if available, when you are around other people (including before you enter a healthcare provider’s office).
- If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then as their caregiver, you should wear a facemask when in the same room with them. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.
Note: During a public health emergency, facemasks may be reserved for healthcare workers. You may need to improvise a facemask using a scarf or bandana.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
- Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Soap and water: Soap and water are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items
- Do not share: Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
- Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
Clean high-touch surfaces in your isolation area (“sick room” and bathroom) every day; let a caregiver clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in other areas of the home.
- Clean and disinfect: Routinely clean high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom.
- If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.
High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
- Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
- Household cleaners and disinfectants: Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
- Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
- Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A full list of disinfectants can be found here.
Monitor your symptoms
- Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and cough. Trouble breathing is a more serious symptom that means you should get medical attention.
- If you are having trouble breathing, seek medical attention, but call first.
- Call your doctor or emergency room before going in and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do.
- Wear a facemask: If available, put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, cover your coughs and sneezes. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people. This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.
- Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department: Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the operator that you have or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before medical help arrives.
How to discontinue home isolation
People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
- If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
- You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
AND - other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND - at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
- If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
- You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
AND - other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.
In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
More information is available here.
Additional information for healthcare providers: Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Persons Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
The Andrew County Health Department provides various health screening services to help residents monitor their health status. These screenings are designed to detect potential health concerns early and provide information that individuals can discuss with their healthcare providers. What Are Health Screenings? Health screenings are basic tests or checks that can identify potential health concerns. These screenings are not diagnostic tests and do not replace visits to primary care providers. They serve as preliminary assessments that can indicate whether further medical evaluation may be warranted. Available Screening Services The Andrew County Health Department offers several types of health screenings including blood pressure checks, vision and hearing screenings, STD and HIV testing, tuberculosis testing, and blood sugar and cholesterol screenings at special events. These screenings are conducted by trained public health professionals in private settings, with results typically available during the visit or within a few days for laboratory tests. Screening Process Each type of screening follows specific procedures. Blood pressure screenings involve using a cuff to measure blood pressure, which takes approximately one minute. Vision screenings test visual clarity using eye charts. STD testing may involve collecting samples such as urine or swabs for laboratory analysis, with confidential results provided within a few days. Hearing screenings use headphones to test hearing range across different sound frequencies. Most screenings require minimal preparation and no extensive paperwork. Individuals who receive results indicating potential concerns are provided with referral information for follow-up care with healthcare providers of their choice. Privacy and Confidentiality All screening services follow strict public health privacy standards. Personal health information and results are shared only with the individual being screened. This confidential approach is particularly important for sensitive services such as HIV or STD testing, which are provided in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Screening Locations and Events The Andrew County Health Department conducts screenings at their office location and participates in community outreach events throughout the year. These outreach activities may include local school events, community health fairs, back-to-school events, workplace wellness programs, and mobile clinics in rural areas. Information about upcoming screening events and locations is available on the health department's website and social media channels. Preparation for Screenings Most screenings require minimal preparation. General recommendations include wearing clothing with short sleeves for easy access during blood pressure or tuberculosis testing, bringing a list of current medications, avoiding caffeine before blood pressure screenings as it may temporarily affect readings, and bringing identification if requested, though most screenings are open to all residents. Individuals with specific questions about preparation can contact the health department in advance. Accessibility and Cost Many screening services are available at no cost or low cost to residents. These services are generally accessible to the public regardless of insurance status. Some screenings operate on a walk-in basis, while others may require scheduling. Contact information and availability details can be obtained by calling the health department. Community Health Impact Health screenings contribute to community health monitoring by helping identify health trends and needs within the population. This information assists public health officials in developing appropriate community health programs and responses. Contact Information For information about upcoming screening events, scheduling, costs, and specific screening services, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. Current screening schedules and locations are regularly updated on the department's website and social media platforms.
The Andrew County Health Department conducts routine food safety inspections to help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food service establishments comply with local and state health regulations. These inspections are part of the department's environmental health services that protect public health in the community. Purpose of Food Safety Inspections Food safety inspections are routine visits conducted by trained environmental health specialists to verify that food service establishments follow regulations for safe food handling, sanitation, and hygiene practices. These inspections help identify and address potential food safety issues before they can affect public health. Types of Establishments Inspected Food safety inspections cover various types of food service operations including restaurants and cafes, food trucks and mobile vendors, school cafeterias, grocery stores and deli counters, temporary food booths at fairs or events, and church or nonprofit kitchens that serve the public. Any establishment that serves food to the public is subject to periodic inspections to ensure consistent safety practices across all food service environments. Inspection Components During inspections, environmental health specialists evaluate several areas related to food safety based on the Missouri Food Code. Inspection items include proper food temperatures for storage and cooking, cleanliness of food preparation areas and equipment, handwashing stations and employee hygiene practices, proper labeling and storage of chemicals, pest control and facility maintenance, dishwashing and sanitizing procedures, and safe food handling and cross-contamination prevention measures. Each inspection follows a standardized checklist, and inspectors provide written reports documenting observations and any violations found. Types of Violations Violations are categorized as either non-critical or critical. Non-critical violations, such as missing paper towels at handwashing stations or unlabeled cleaning supplies, can often be corrected immediately during the inspection. Critical violations involve more serious food safety risks, such as improper food temperatures or pest issues. These violations require follow-up inspections and, in severe cases, may result in temporary closure until the problem is resolved. The health department works with establishments to ensure violations are corrected promptly and properly. Public Health Impact Food safety inspections help prevent foodborne illnesses that can particularly affect vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Regular inspections help identify and correct food safety risks before they can cause illness outbreaks. Consumer Role in Food Safety Residents can contact the Andrew County Health Department to inquire about inspection reports or report food safety concerns. Public records for inspections may be available upon request. Event organizers working with food vendors can coordinate with the health department to ensure safety regulations are followed. Additional Food Safety Services Beyond inspections, the Andrew County Health Department provides food handler training and certification, plan reviews for new or remodeled food establishments, temporary food permit assistance for events, consultations for safe food handling practices, and resources on Missouri Food Code updates and guidelines. These services support food service operators in maintaining compliance with safety regulations while operating their businesses. Contact Information For information about food safety regulations, inspection reports, or food service operator resources, contact the Andrew County Health Department or visit andrewcountyhealth.com. The environmental health team provides support for food safety compliance throughout Andrew County.
Emergency situations can occur with little warning, making advance preparation essential for protecting your family's safety and well-being. The Andrew County Health Department provides resources and guidance to help residents prepare for various emergency scenarios that may affect our community. Common Emergency Situations in Andrew County Andrew County residents may face several types of emergency situations, including tornadoes, flash floods, ice storms and power outages, disease outbreaks, heat waves, and hazardous material incidents. Understanding these potential risks helps families prepare appropriately for local conditions. Building an Emergency Supply Kit An emergency supply kit should contain essential items to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Basic supplies include bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food and manual can opener, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, phone chargers and power banks, weather radio, personal hygiene items, medications and medical supplies, extra clothing and blankets, copies of important documents, and cash in small bills. Customize your emergency kit based on the specific needs of household members, including infants, seniors, pets, or individuals with medical conditions requiring special supplies. Creating a Family Emergency Plan A family emergency plan should address key elements including escape routes from your home and neighborhood, designated meeting locations both near your home and outside your immediate area, emergency contact information with phone numbers memorized by all family members, and communication methods for staying in touch if separated during an emergency. Keep printed copies of your emergency plan in multiple locations including backpacks, vehicles, and emergency supply kits. Staying Informed During Emergencies The Andrew County Health Department provides important health and safety information during emergency situations. This may include severe weather warnings, public shelter locations, boil water advisories, road closures and detours, and disease outbreak or exposure alerts. Residents should sign up for local alert systems, follow official social media accounts, check the health department website regularly during emergencies, and maintain a weather radio for updates when other communication methods are unavailable. Home Preparedness Measures Consider implementing safety measures in your home such as anchoring large furniture to prevent tipping, installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, keeping vehicle fuel tanks at least half full, maintaining property by trimming trees and clearing gutters, and reviewing insurance policies to understand coverage. Preparing Children for Emergencies Help children understand emergency procedures through age-appropriate discussions and practice. Ensure children know how to call 911, recognize emergency alarms, locate exits, find your emergency kit, and contact a trusted adult. Regular practice of emergency procedures can help children respond appropriately during actual emergencies. Andrew County Health Department Emergency Services The health department participates in emergency preparedness and response through coordination with local and state emergency response agencies, community health alerts and safety communications, public health response during disease outbreaks, assistance with emergency shelter information and public messaging, and preparedness resources and planning materials. Additional Resources For emergency preparedness resources, planning templates, and local emergency information, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. The department provides community-specific guidance and tools to support family emergency planning efforts.
