Missouri opens novel
coronavirus information hotline
Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Chief, Office of Public Information
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov
Lisa Cox
Chief, Office of Public Information
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov
JEFFERSON CITY, MO –The Missouri Department of
Health and Senior Services (DHSS) activated a statewide public hotline for
citizens or providers needing guidance regarding the novel coronavirus, or
COVID-19. At 8 a.m. today, the hotline opened and can be reached at 877-435-8411.
The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Communication is vital to our response to
this rapidly-evolving situation,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS.
“For several weeks, our COVID-19 webpage has been and continues to be a great
resource for the public, but having the hotline as an additional resource will
likely be invaluable as citizens seek guidance for their concerns.”
To date, 46 patients in Missouri have been
tested for the virus that causes COVID-19; one of those has tested positive.
“It is important to know what to do if you
have concerns about an illness during this outbreak,” said Williams. “For those
who may be at risk for COVID-19, we encourage them to utilize this hotline or
call their health care provider or local public health agency to inform them of
their travel history and symptoms. They’ll be instructed on how to receive care
without exposing others to the possible illness.”
Simple preventive actions that help prevent
the spread of all types of respiratory viruses include:
- Avoid close contact with people
who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose,
and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
