Full Notification

PETTIS COUNTY COVID-19 TASK FORCE
BRIEFING
April 30, 2020

To communicate openly with county residents, this compilation of information from essential government service providers within Pettis County will be disseminated on Mondays and Thursdays.  This briefing will continue to be provided throughout the COVID-19 event.
 
HEALTH CARE:
Pettis County Health Center

• The case count in Pettis County has now increased to 40 as of this morning.   There has been an increase of 19 cases since last Thursday.  
• Compared to other counties, we must open slowly and very carefully.  If everyone listens carefully to what the Governor has said, there is the need to tailor the re-opening plan to the situation in the county.   We cannot operate as we did before the pandemic began.  
• By state law and regulation, the local public health authority is responsible for protecting the county from the spread of communicable diseases.  This is a responsibility that is taken very seriously by the Pettis County Health Center and we are doing our best to balance the need to return to life as usual and still protect the county.  
• There will be a new public health order for the county effective May 4, 2020.  The document will be posted on the Pettis County Health Center website www.pettiscountyhealthcenter.com along with the state public health order from Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services. Additional information is available from the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov  
• We have not had deaths in our county from the virus and we do not want to have deaths as we begin to open up. 
• One thing that everyone can do to help decrease the spread beyond staying 6 feet away from others, washing your hands or using hand sanitizer frequently, staying home if you are sick and getting tested if you are sick is to wear a mask.  A mask is not a sign of fear, but rather that you are a concerned, caring person who wants to protect the people around you.   Wear a mask when you leave your home, for those you care about.
• Our county businesses and health care providers are working very hard to have a safe environment for everyone.   You do not need to be afraid to seek health care.    Follow the guidance of health care providers, directions in stores and we will slowly return to a more normal pace of life.

• Bothwell Walk In Clinic is now offering virtual visits during their office hours, Monday - Friday 7am -7pm and Saturday 10 am - 4pm. Visit brhc.org/walkin to learn more.
• It's National Infant Immunization Week!  We know the thought of bringing your baby to the doctor's office can be unsettling during a pandemic, but it's important to keep them up to date on their shots. All Bothwell clinics, including TLC Pediatrics, are taking extra precautions to keep you safe. To schedule a visit with any Bothwell primary care or specialty clinic, contact the office and they will assist in scheduling the most appropriate appointment, in-person or virtual, for you.
• Bothwell Emergency Department is also offering additional options for patients to seek treatment. Visit brhc.org/er to learn about the new options available for our patients

• Katy Trail Community Health is continuing to offer testing on a daily basis.   Please call 877-733-5824 to schedule an appointment for testing. 

• Testing is available for those without insurance and without a primary care provider, but an order is still needed which will be provided based upon the assessment.

• We remain fully staffed & operational.
• We continue to be out of large N-95 masks and ask that any non-medical first responders report any of this essential PPE they may be holding to the task force.

• Wearing a mask in public is now recommended by the CDC.  
• We ask everyone to continue social distancing, to stay home, wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, avoid crowds and check on your neighbors

• The minor restrictions that were in place for the Courthouse are being removed.
• If you have a mask, we are encouraging you to wear them inside the building.
• Each office’s individual social distancing measures will remain in place and the remote options for help are still available. Social distancing should also be practiced throughout the Courthouse property.
• These new changes will remain in effect until at least May the 15^th when we will re-evaluate the situation and update guidelines as needed.
• For questions regarding an individual department, please call the Courthouse and the extension for the department with which you have business.  These extensions can be found on www.pettiscomo.com .
• We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

• Essential government services of the City of Sedalia have been continuing throughout this effort to minimize the effects of the pandemic. 
• Currently we are working to lay out plans and strategies to relax some of the limitations on facility access yet keep staff and the public safe.  This will take a phased approach as we can put measures in place. 
• Please watch the City’s website and social media postings for more details.    
• The City help assistance line (851-7686) continues providing information and assistance related to COVID-19.  

• Domestic violence calls have increased.  Current circumstances have led to ‘cabin fever’ and emotions running high.  Be mindful of this and try to find healthy ways to lessen the stress.

• The Sedalia Police Department is continuing operations but adding additional use of personal protective equipment to limit individual exposure. 
• Please continue to abide by the Governor’s order and the latest order issued by the Pettis County Health Department.

• Business as usual.
• We continue to monitor our personnel on duty, and use extra caution on our medical calls.

• Do you or anyone in your home have currently have or have had a fever in the last 14 days? 
• Do you or anyone inside your home currently have or have had coughing or difficult  
• breathing in the last 14 days? 
• Have you or anyone in your home traveled outside of the state in the last 14 days? 
• Have you or anyone in your home been tested for COVID-19 and received a positive test
• notification or are you or anyone in your home awaiting a COVID-19 test result? 
• Are you or anyone in your home currently on a quarantine?

• Please do not visit the jail if you are sick.
• Remote visitations continue for visitors of inmates at jail.
• Court appearances continue to be conducted via video at jail.
• Accommodations for attorney-inmate visitations; parole/probation officers-inmate visitations; bonding company representatives-inmate visitations provided for at jail.
• Updating of sex offender registrations continue at counter of lobby at jail
• While in the jail lobby awaiting visitation please practice social distancing.  At least 6 feet away from other individuals.  

• The health and safety of all of our citizens of our county is always our top priority.  As Coroner, I am faced with meeting normal duties along with protecting our staff, first responders (ambulance, fire, law enforcement), and our funeral home staff.  The funeral home staff will be critical during these trying times.
• We are working on protocol for responses to nursing homes and hospitals.

• Avoid Coronavirus Scams
• Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. The details are still coming together.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time.
• Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information.
• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money.

 
The following COVID-19 phone numbers are provided for your information:
MO Department of Health and Senior Services Hotline:  877-435-8411
City of Sedalia/Pettis County Helpline:  660-851-7686
Pettis County Health Center:  www.pettiscountyhealthcenter.com
Center for Disease Control (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
John Hopkins University Dashboard:  https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
Missouri Department of Health COVID-19:  https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/results.php
Missouri State Emergency Management (SEMA) Daily Briefing:  https://sema.dps.mo.gov/newspubs/docs/dailybriefs.pdf