Coronavirus Update
As the Coronavirus spreads, you may be wondering what you can do for your self, your family and your community.
To stop the spread, the most important thing we can do is follow the direction of our Federal, State and Local government officials, and stay informed. The situation is changing every day. The White House, Missouri Governor, and Mayor’s of major cities like Kansas City and St. Louis issue statements every day.
Here is a direct link to The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website is also a great source of information.
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/
Keep in mind that this is not the flu. Although you may not have any symptoms, you can spread the virus to those who are at risk of major complications or death. The elderly and the immune-compromised are at greatest risk, and those with relatively good immune systems are leaving the hospitals with varying levels of damage to their lungs. This is not the kind of sickness you want to get.
It’s also important that we do not run out and try to buy everything we can from the stores. That will only contribute to food and product shortages for others, our friends and our neighbors. Just buy what you need. This will help our communities get through this crisis together.
The Governor of Missouri and the Mayor of Kansas City have announced a “Stay-at-home” order, which will begin on Tuesday March 24th and end possibly on April 24th. This order does not prohibit anyone from going to the stores to get food, clothing and other necessities. It does not prohibit anyone from going to the doctor or taking care of important business. And, it does not prohibit anyone from leaving their homes to take a walk. We only need to maintain social distancing, even in groups of 10 or less, when doing these things, to slow or stop the spread of the virus.
Things you can do. Make phone calls. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors often. Use Facetime if you have it. Skype. Text. Send pictures and videos to each other. Find out how your neighbors are doing. Get groceries for them if necessary; if they are in one of these high-risk categories. Look out for each other. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Vehicles parked between houses. Vehicles that don’t belong there. If you see suspicious activity, ask questions. It could be nothing. It could be something. You never know.
Just keep in mind…
“We are all in this together.”