Only last year, many people wouldn't have had the foggiest clue what "social distancing" meant and likely would have been shocked to hear news of school closures and virtual church.
It's easy to get lost in a constant flood of breaking news, especially when the rules for daily life keep changing. The Fulton Sun has compiled the latest news about COVID-19 in Callaway County and sought out answers to many questions you might have about frequently-repeated recommendations and rules.
The Callaway County Health Department released a technical advisory Tuesday explaining the most recent recommendations in detail. The advisory can be found online: bit.ly/2y5OKNe.
Q: How many cases of COVID-19 are there in Callaway County?
As of Thursday evening, 11 members of the William Woods University community had tested positive for COVID-19. At least 10 are students (the Callaway County Health Department did not specify whether the 11th case, which they announced Thursday, was a student or staff member). As of Thursday morning, seven of the students were quarantined at the university, while three were quarantined with their families outside of Callaway County.
Local officials are not currently aware of any other cases and report approximately 200 tests have come back with negative results.
Q: Am I allowed to leave the house?
Yes - but you should avoid doing so whenever possible. Unlike many other states, such as California and Illinois, Missouri has not issued a statewide shelter-in-place order.
As with much of the COVID-19 response so far, local governments have had to take decisions about safety measures into their own hands. Currently, residents of Kansas City, St. Louis, and St. Louis, Boone, Clay and Jackson counties have all been ordered to stay home.
Callaway County has not yet issued any such order - neither have any of the incorporated cities in the county, though, all have issued declarations of emergency formally outlining special powers to slow the spread of COVID-19. In Fulton, the City Council voted against giving the mayor the power to impose an emergency curfew or close business establishments.
Q: I'm technically still allowed to go out. But should I?
The Callaway County Health Department highly recommends all individuals remain home unless for essential activities, essential government functions or to operate essential businesses and operations.
Q: But what does "essential" mean?
Essential activities include tasks essential to you or your household's health and safety, such as obtaining medical supplies, seeking medical care and purchasing food, cleaning and personal care products, and supplies necessary to work from home. It's also acceptable to deliver necessary services and supplies to others.
If you can work from home, you should. The list of businesses necessary to maintain daily life is long - examples of essential businesses include operations related to government, health, safety, communications, food and sanitation. The full list can be found here: bit.ly/2y5OKNe.
Even if your workplace or business is deemed essential, you are still advised to practice physical distancing by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from other individuals. If you feel sick, stay home.
Q: What about walks?
Yes, it is OK to go on a walk, just be sure to keep your distance from anyone who you might pass. The Callaway County Health Department was recommended avoiding playground and fitness equipment, as shared use might increase the spread of COVID-19.
Holts Summit has decided to close parks, ballfields and the civic center - the only exceptions are the city's two walking trails. In Fulton, the parks are still open, but public restrooms have been closed.
Q: Well, I still need to eat. What restaurants are still serving?
Most restaurants have closed their dining rooms, transitioning to carry out and delivery options.
The Fulton Sun has compiled a list of local restaurants and how their operations have changed: bit.ly/2ybILXm.
Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include fever, cough, a sore throat and shortness of breath and typically appear two to 14 days after exposure.
Because the illness is frequently mild, the CDC reported most people with COVID-19 are able to recover at home without medical care.
The emergency warning signs for COVID-19 are trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or inattention and bluish lips or face. If these symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.
Older adults and those with serious underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease may be at a higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19.
Q: What do I do if I think I might be sick? Can I get tested?
First, call the Missouri COVID-19 hotline at 1-877-435-8411. Before seeking medical attention, call ahead so the health care center you plan on visiting has time to prepare.
Until recently, Missouri was only testing for COVID-19 if a patient had symptoms severe enough for hospitalization or if they had symptoms and had recently traveled to an area with a widespread outbreak or had been in contact with someone else who had already tested positive.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Monday health care professionals should now decide who to test based on their own judgment.
University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia offers drive-thru testing for people with mild symptoms who have been assessed by a provider and have a physician's order.