State health department establishes COVID-19 hotline
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A hotline for Missouri residents who have questions about COVID-19 was established Wednesday, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The tweet sent out at 8:22 a.m. shows the hotline will be operated by medical professionals and that it's available 24 hours a day.
Health department workers have tested 46 people in the state for coronavirus. At last check, one case has been confirmed.
"The hotline as an additional resource will likely be invaluable as citizens seek guidance for their concerns," health department director Randall Williams said Wednesday.
Williams added.
“For those who may be at risk for COVID-19, we encourage them to utilize this hotline or call their health care provider or local public health agency to inform them of their travel history and symptoms."
An MU Health Care spokesman said as of Wednesday morning no cases of COVID-19 have been reported at the hospital. State lawmakers ended public access to the house chamber and some other public areas over the concern of coronavirus.
A Columbia-based journalism organization said Tuesday members who attended a conference in New Orleans may have been exposed to coronavirus. One person who attended the NICAR20 conference in New Orleans last week tested positive for COVID-19 upon a preliminary test.
Some Mid-Missouri universities are preparing to hold classes online as many other schools around the country are canceling classes.
The CDC said more than 600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the US and 25 people have died.
