St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update

Re-Opening Operating Protocols

For a complete list of business specific re-opening operational protocols, please click here or visit stlcorona.com.

Sanitizing Shared Spaces

Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is an important part of reopening public spaces that requires careful planning. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes. Each product has been shown to be effective against viruses that are harder to kill than viruses like the one that causes COVID-19. Click here for a full list of approved products. 

Updated Childcare Reopening Guidance

The Childcare Reopening Guidance document has been updated and can be found here, listed as number 11. Childcare programs that remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic should address these additional considerations:

• Screen Children Upon Arrival 
• Implement social distancing strategies  
• Intensify cleaning and disinfection efforts 
• Modify drop off and pick up procedures  
• Maintain an adequate ratio of staff to children to ensure safety. 
• Plan and recruit those with childcare experience to ensure you have a roster of substitute caregivers who can fill in if your staff members are sick or stay home to care for sick family members. 
• Wear proper personal protective equipment including cloth or surgical face masks. 

Social Distancing; Continue to Stop the Spread

As St. Louis County continues to navigate through the reopening process, it is critical to remember the importance of social distancing. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 ft.) for a prolonged period of time (more than 15 minutes). Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land on other people, nearby surfaces, or your own hands which then further transmit the virus to other locations. This is also why wearing masks continues to be a critical protective measure. Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with infected people outside the home. However staying at home is still the most protective measure that can be taken.  Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.

Elderly: Some of the Most Vulnerable for Different Reasons

High Risk – Those 60 years of age and older are in the “high risk” category for COVID-19. It is recommended that they:

• Cancel any and all non-essential travel.
• Have plenty of nonperishable foods and household goods on hand.
• Identify a friend or family member who can run errands. (Call 211 for assistance from the United Way.)
• Make a back-up plan for caretakers in the event they get sick.
• Be aware of their emotional health.
• Stay in touch with loved ones by phone and email.
• Visit cdc.gov for more safety tips.

Criminal Activity – Schemes on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, have the potential to rise as this pandemic continues. Fake promises of protective medical equipment, stories of grandchildren needing immediate money for healthcare, and false charities claiming to help the coronavirus response are all examples of these frauds.

Other known COVID-19 scams could include:

• Investment scams, “get rich” or “recover your money” quick schemes.
• Romance scams, particularly with the increased use of on-line dating services.
• Phishing emails, texts or phone calls, claiming to be from government or helping agencies.
• Inflated or false funeral pricing or scams relating to debts of deceased individuals.
• Fraudulent COVID related services.

Residents are encouraged to never allow someone to pressure them in to making an immediate decision about money. Take the time necessary to research the company or cause to make certain they are a reputable organization and talk to a trusted friend or family member before making these financial decisions.

If you know of a COVID-19 scam or price gouging, please alert the Missouri Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222. If you are aware of an older or disabled adult who may be subject to bullying, abuse, neglect or exploitation, call the Missouri Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-0210.

County Parks and Protective Measures

All St. Louis County parks and trails are open, however please practice social distancing and follow signage recommendations. Most loop trails have been converted to “one-way” trails, as all other trails remain two directional. Park restrooms, indoor facilities, sports courts, shelters, exercise stations, playgrounds, skate parks and the Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex are closed.

Park Rangers are continuing their duties as normal.

Contact Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877) 435-8411. The St. Louis County website dedicated to the dissemination  of information relating to COVID-19 is www.stlcorona.com. Please visit that website or those belonging to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most current and reputable information.