In a press conference today, Governor Mike Parson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, and medical professionals announced the first case to test presumptive positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Missouri. The specimen, conducted by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, has been forwarded to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratory.
This case is travel-related. The Missouri person, a female in her twenties from St. Louis County, recently traveled to Italy. She is now in isolation at home with family members who have also been in isolation. Local health department officials are identifying close contacts to monitor symptoms and contain spread.
“I am confident in the work of the Department of Health and Senior Services and the St. Louis County Public Health Department and know that they will do what they can to protect the health and safety of Missouri communities,” Governor Mike Parson said.
“St. Louis County is prepared for this challenge. We are responding quickly, professionally, and effectively to these test results,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said.
“We understand that there is serious concern about this virus and the potential escalation surrounding positive cases in our community,” said Spring Schmidt, Co-Director of St. Louis County Department of Public Health. “Our Department, local public health and local public safety agencies are working closely with state and federal agencies to quickly identify and respond to cases that might occur. We can't stress the importance of taking protective measures enough.”
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has tested a total of 26 individuals for COVID-19 including the presumptive positive case announced today. Three additional tests remain in progress.
“We are committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information as we tackle COVID-19 head on," DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams said. “We will continue to assist the St. Louis County Health Department, and our thoughts are certainly with this patient and family.”
While awaiting confirmation of any future test results from the CDC, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health will treat presumptive cases as positive and follow CDC guidelines to protect public health and limit the spread of infection.
It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and STLCODPH. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and the St. Louis County website at stlcorona.com.
Don't get your information from Donald Trump!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.rawstory.com/2020/03/cnns-tapper-calls-out-trumps-never-ending-cascade-of-lies-about-virus-spread-in-blistering-closing-statement/
ReplyDeleteThis official communication fails to point out the excellently prepared state of preparedness that the homeland has been under since Dear Leader became Dear Leader!
This official communication fails to mention the superb physical specimen that Dear Leader presents to the world! 235 lbs of tennis playing muscle at 65 years of age and yet Dear Leader receives no kudos for that in this communication! Nor does Dear Leader receive appropriate accolades for the observable yoognees of his hands!
Dear Leader states the test is perfect! Yet this communication fails to adore the perfectness and plentiful supply of the tests which Dear Leader has personally helped develop in his honorary role as visiting CDC genius!
This communication will be promptly reported to the Presidential Desk in the Department of Public Presidential Grievances at the Department of Justice for appropriate libel and slander actions at the Supreme Court!