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As the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading across Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson advised residents to have a plan in case it reaches them.
"All families must follow these guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19," Kelli Jones, Parson's spokeswoman, said in an email to the News Tribune. "These are priorities."
Avoid social gatherings or discretionary travel. Do not visit nursing or long-term recovery facilities.
Listen to - and follow directions of - state and local authorities, the Governor's Office said. If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school. And contact your health care provider.
If anyone in the household is diagnosed with COVID-19, the entire household should stay home.
Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
"Practice common sense and personal responsibility," Jones said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed on its website a number of steps people can take to prepare for the disease.
Begin by speaking with household members, relatives outside your home and friends about what the needs of each person might be.
Plan to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications, the CDC website states. Data indicate COVID-19 poses a higher risk of death for older patients, asthma sufferers, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. Younger people are generally not affected as severely unless they have an underlying health issue.
"Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning," the CDC advises. "If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining to access information and resources."
Keep a list of local organizations you might need to contact in case you require information or services. Consider including organizations that provide mental health services, food and other supplies.
And create an emergency contact list. Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for the local public health department, health care providers, family, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers and other community resources.
Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. And identify a bathroom for only sick people to use, if possible. Plan to clean the rooms as needed when someone is sick.
Surfaces should be cleaned using detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products is available online.
The CDC recommends several common-sense ways to lower the chance of coming down with COVID-19:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you're sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
"If you live alone and become sick during the COVID-19 outbreak, you may need help," the CDC website states. "If you have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on you during an outbreak."
The site also recommends people stay in constant contact with family and friends who have chronic medical conditions.
"Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children," the CDC notes. "Talk with your children about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them they are safe."
It provides pointers for talking with children about stressful situations online.
The News Tribune is offering free online access to coronavirus coverage.
Coronaviruses make up a large family of viruses. Some cause illnesses in people, while others infect only animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have happened for the virus that causes COVID-19. The current virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, according to the CDC. Early infections were widely linked to live animal markets, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.