COVID-19 Updates

City of Florissant COVID-19 Updates 

The Basics

The flow of information pertaining to COVID-19 has been significant and constantly evolving. A refresher on the best information available from time to time will continue to improve our understanding of the virus and contribute to minimizing its impact on our region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently expanded the list of symptoms related to COVID-19. Symptoms may appear between two and fourteen days after the exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. They now include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell

Individuals should call 911 for any medical emergency including these possible life threatening symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Experiencing levels of confusion for the first time
• Bluish lips or face

Those experiencing non-life threatening symptoms, should contact their doctor. Most people can recover from COVID-19 at home without needing medical care. Working with a doctor to develop a solid healthcare plan is key to recovery. This plan should include isolation, or separating the sick individual from others in the household. Rest and hydration are other significant components to recovery.

Weekend Reminder

Again, unless potentially life-saving or otherwise significant information becomes available, we do not anticipate disseminating these updates on weekends moving forward. Please know that decision is in no way indicative of the pandemic being any less significant or present in our community. We should continue to adhere to the preventative measures in place and remain diligent in social distancing and the use of masks.

Contact Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877)435-8411.​

St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, 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.

How to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

• Those feeling ill should stay home.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• 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.

High Risk Individuals
People who are considered "high risk" have been advised to take significant actions to reduce their risk of getting sick. Actions include:

• Stocking up on supplies.

• Taking everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.

• If you have to go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often.

• Avoid crowds as much as possible.

• Avoid travel.

• Stay at home as much as possible to reduce your risk of being exposed.

High Risk Individuals have been defined by the CDC as those who:

• Are over 60 years of age

• Have underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes

• Have a weakened immune system. 

• Those who are pregnant. 

Rumor Control and Misinformation During a Pandemic

In a very short time, the information available on COVID-19 went from non-existent to overload. Simultaneously, the demand for information pertaining to this rapidly evolving pandemic is now tremendous. Therefore, it is critical that we consume and share information from reputable sources, with the understanding that there are still many unknowns.

A few examples of misinformation are:

·        5G cell phone technology causes COVID-19. [In fact, it does not.]

·        Eating garlic will not prevent you from contracting COVID-19. [Although it is a healthy food with some antimicrobial properties, no evidence exists to support this.]

·        Using hand sanitizer on fruits and vegetables prevents them from transferring COVID-19 to you. [Do not do this. According to the CDC, “it seems unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food – additional investigation is needed.”]

·        Mosquitoes and ticks can spread COVID-19. [“At this time, CDC has no data to suggest that this new coronavirus or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes or ticks. The main way that COVID-19 spreads is from person to person.”]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created a “rumor control” page on their website, which can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control. The State of Missouri is within Region VII of FEMA, along with Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.       

Long Term Care Facilities and PPE

Long term care facilities have unique challenges with COVID-19. They most often care for a vulnerable population that is identified as “high risk” for COVID-19 and the nature of care the employees provide there, which can include bathing, feeding, and toileting. These acts of care can create an increased risk of spreading infection.

These front line health care workers should be commended for their dedication and their resiliency. The St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) is doing everything it can to protect these workers so that they can continue to protect their patients, who are our loved ones and neighbors.

Out of preparedness, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) developed a “High Risk Task Force Team.” This team of volunteer doctors and registered nurses was created early in the pandemic response to serve as a liaison between the long-term care facility and DPH. Working remotely, volunteers have built relationships with facility administrators to answer questions, meet informational needs and monitor each facilities’ supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). In some cases, the task force has worked with the St. Louis County Police Office of Emergency Management to provide PPE in order to alleviate resource gaps at certain facilities and keep their employees protected. Attached is some guidance that has been provided to long term care facilities.

PPE continues to be used at an increased rate by healthcare workers. When providing care, this equipment is critical to keeping themselves, patients and others such as healthcare support staff safe. Challenges still exist in the supply shortages related to PPE. Therefore, healthcare facilities, EMS providers and law enforcement agencies are finding alternative ways to maintain supply levels while still providing a high level of care to the public. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has presented “optimization strategies” for when PPE supplies are low or known to becoming low. These strategies help to lengthen the burn rate of PPE usage during critical needs. Components of extending PPE supply levels include:

• Canceling elective and non-urgent procedure and appointments.
• Utilizing re-usable PPE that can be cleaned and reprocessed.
• Use PPE beyond the manufacturer-designated expiration date.
• Consider the use of respirators, facemasks and eye protection, beyond a single patient contact by cleaning supplies for reuse.

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

Many St. Louis County Parks reopened yesterday, April 28^th, with some limitations. These restrictions include keeping facilities like bathrooms, shelters, and skate parks closed. Also, many trails have also been designated as “one-way” trails.

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds everyone that social distancing guidelines still remain in effect when enjoying county parks. Social distancing, or “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. Key components include keeping six feet of space between you and other people and not gathering in large groups.

The following St. Louis County Parks reopened with some limitations: Bee Tree, Bella Fontaine, Blake C. Snyder Memorial, Buder, Butler Lake, Castlepoint, Cliff Cave, Champ, Creve Coeur, Faust, Fort Belle Fontaine, George Winter, Grant’s Trail, Greensfelder, Jefferson Barracks, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Lemay, Lone Elk (drive-thru only), Love, Lower Meramec, McDonnell, Ohlendorf West, Queeny, Sherman Beach, Simpson, Sioux Passage, Spanish Lake, St. Vincent, Suson, Tilles, Unger, Veterans Memorial, and West Tyson.

The following St. Louis County Parks will continue to be temporarily closed: Antire, Bissell House, Black Forest, Bohrer, Bright, Classe, Ebsworth, Endicott, Hunter's Ford, King, Kinloch, Larimore, Mackenzie, Mathilda-Welmering, Memorial, Ohlendorf, Robert Winter, Schaefer Bend, St. George

Sylvan Springs, and Widman.

All programs, activities, events and rentals (regardless of size) are canceled thru at least Friday, May 15.

Contact Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877)435-8411.​

St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, 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.

St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update - May 6, 2020

Businesses Preparing to Reopen

Small business owners should be preparing to reopen by developing a proactive plan for controlling their environment. Writing policies and procedures to account for these activities will help to speed the reopening process. The spread of COVID-19 is manageable and preventable, but it takes thoughtful consideration. Much of which can be developed now before the opening of business.

Fortunately, a template already exists in reviewing the operational procedures of essential businesses which have remained open during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has authored Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html. In addition, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also disseminated recommendations, which are available here: http://mochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Return-to-Work.pdf.

Specific guidance from St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the County Executive’s Office is being created and should be available this week. Dr. Sam Page indicated this morning that the re-opening will be “slow, deliberate, and measured.”

Face Mask Requirement on Metro Transit

Starting on Monday, May 11, Metro Transit will take another important step to help protect transit riders and employees from the spread of COVID-19 by requiring all passengers to wear face masks at all times when riding on MetroBus, MetroLink or Metro Call-A-Ride vehicles. You will not be permitted to board a MetroBus vehicle, MetroLink train or Metro Call-A-Ride van if you are not wearing a face covering.

Face coverings need to fit over both the nose and mouth, and non-medical masks, scarves, handkerchiefs, bandanas and other types of cloth coverings are permitted. This measure does not apply to children ages 2 and under, or customers who have trouble breathing, are incapacitated or are unable to remove the cover without assistance. The requirement to wear face coverings on public transit follows recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and a requirement issued by the State of Illinois asking people to wear a face covering over their noses and mouths when in a public environment where social distancing is not always possible.

St. Louis County Workforce Development Job Fair

St. Louis County Workforce Development will be hosting a virtual job fair on Facebook this Thursday, May 7, from 10AM - 1PM. This event will provide jobseekers with a list of open positions, direct application links, and contact information for immediate follow up with a hiring manager. Please follow this link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/events/300356830950628/

Contact Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877)435-8411.​

St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, 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.

St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update - May 8, 2020

Businesses Preparing to Reopen – Employee Perspective

When formulating proactive plans to reopen, the owners/operators of small businesses should consider different perspectives. One viewpoint should focus on the health and well-being of their employees and other internal stakeholders/vendors. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has already created guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. That document includes steps all employers can take to reduce workers’ risk of exposure, identifies levels of risk associated with different professions, work-related travel, and other resources available. It can be found here: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf.

Small businesses have many things to consider, but among them should be:

• Communications to employees returning to work.
• How employees will be screened prior to their shifts.
• A schedule for cleaning/sanitizing in accordance with required protocols.
• Based on capacity limitations, the number of personnel who can be present in one area at any one time.
• A plan for treating common areas to restrict gatherings.
• Where hand sanitizer and Kleenex will be made available to all employees.
• Develop a plan to insure that deliveries of supplies/merchandise are to be safely handled.

Specific guidance from St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the County Executive’s Office is being created and should be available this week. Dr. Sam Page indicated this morning that the re-opening will be “slow, deliberate, and measured.”

Contact Information

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877)435-8411.​

St. Louis County has created a website dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to COVID-19, 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.

St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update - May 12, 2020

How to Wear, Properly Sanitize and Remove Cloth Face Coverings

As previously released, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Cloth face coverings should:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Cloth Masks should be washed and cleaned regularly, depending on frequency of use. A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering. It is important to maintain proper removal of masks, as individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. Additional mask information can be found here.

Business Specific Guidance Available

Together, in coordination with the City of St. Louis and the Economic Development Partnership, business operating guidelines for the entire St. Louis Region have been released and posted online at stlcorona.com. This includes, but is not limited to protocols pertaining to business such as construction companies, restaurants, personal services and transportation. Individual businesses can ask specific questions about how the guidance applies to their business by emailing business-covid@stlouisco.com.

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.

​​St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update - May 14, 2020

Food Resources Available

St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page announced yesterday that $2.6 million from the CARES Act grant was awarded to five community partners working to  connect food with families struggling during the COVID-19 crisis. Below is a list of resources and contact information for those in need. Please do not hesitate to reach out or contact for questions. The County’s partner agencies report that up to 75 percent of people seeking assistance from a food pantry are doing so for the first time.

• Operation Food Search  https://www.operationfoodsearch.org/
• St. Louis Area Food Bank https://stlfoodbank.org/
• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis https://www.ulstl.com/
• Link Market  https://linkmarket.org/
• Potbangerz https://www.potbangerz.org/

Additional food resources can be found here , and a complete list of utility programs also showing community support, including electric, water, etc., can be found by clicking here. 

Language Clarification

 In an effort to provide more clarity for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the Restaurant Operating Protocol document, the language will now state the following:

Face coverings must always be worn by employees and it is suggested that guests wear them when entering and leaving the restaurant, removing them only while at their tables.

The previous language stated the following: 

Use protective equipment – a fabric face cover must always be worn by employees and guests.

The goal of this modification is to assist in more precise direction. 

 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.

St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update - May 15, 2020

St. Louis County Department of Health Hotline Hours

Beginning Monday, May 18^th, St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) hotline hours will be slightly modified in response to the current call data. However, if DPH determines there is a need to revisit the expanded hours, that need will be met. 

The Missouri State hotline, operated by the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), will continue to operate and be staffed 24/7. Any Additional COVID-19 questions or  and which can be reached at 877-435-8411.

Mass Mask Distribution to County Schools

The Department of Public Health has been ordering community disposable masks to help support our efforts and protect community members. The goal of this specific initiative will be to partner with schools districts who are still working to provide learning and food services to their students. In effort to support essential workers distributing food this will provide additional safety to the staff and volunteers engaged in this effort. St. Louis County Department of Public Health’s relationship with school districts is highly valued and centered on collaboration. The distribution of this PPE to these organizations across St. Louis County allows further engagement with community members and to meet the imperative needs of supporting and keeping our citizens safe. 

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. 

St. Louis County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Update - May 19, 2020

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.

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-wa