Missouri COVID-19 update: Public health reminders 

As we enter the month of June, Missourians are evaluating how to safely proceed with summer plans and minimize their exposure to COVID-19. Testing remains key to reopening efforts and tracing the spread of COVID-19 in Missouri. The One for All Missouri campaign would like to share the following reminders regarding testing:

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your doctor for advice first. Your doctor may refer you for a viral test at a local hospital or other testing site.
• Viral tests confirm if you have a current infection by testing samples from your respiratory system.

• • If you test positive for COVID-19 by a viral test, follow CDC guidelines to manage your symptoms and stay connected to your doctor for advice.
  • If you test negative for COVID-19 by a viral test, you were probably not infected at the time of testing. This does not mean you are immune from the virus. You can still become infected and transmit the virus after a negative test.
  • Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should continue to take preventive measures to protect yourself and others from infection.
• Antibody tests determine if you had a previous infection. Antibody testing for COVID-19 is in its early stage and accuracy of testing varies.
  • Scientists do not know yet if having antibodies can protect you from future COVID-19 infections, or how long this protection might last. 
• Testing for COVID-19 is vital to contact tracing, which is the process of identifying people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in order to stop the spread of the virus.
  • Contact tracers work with patients who test positive for COVID-19 to identify anyone the patient may have had contact with while contagious.
  • Contact tracers then reach out to these contacts to provide them with resources and information to protect themselves and others.  
  • Contact tracers work diligently to protect patient confidentiality. Contacts are not told who the patient is unless the patient gives their permission. 

For more information about how to #stopthespread this summer, visit our website at oneforallmo.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. One for All Missouri campaign representatives are available to discuss in more detail. 

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