JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri has launched a 24-hour hotline staffed my medical professionals for people seeking guidance on the new coronavirus.
Read the state's fact sheet on coronavirus here.
The state Department of Health and Senior Services said residents and medical providers needing advice on the virus can call 877-435-8411 at any time on any day. It said the phone number became active Wednesday morning.
So far, 46 people in Missouri have been tested for the virus that causes COVID-19 but just one has tested positive, the department said. That person is a St. Louis County resident who traveled to Italy for a study abroad program.
At least two St. Louis County universities are temporarily switching to online classes as a precaution. Saint Louis University said it will suspend most in-person classes next week while it evaluates what to do going forward. Maryville University said it will suspend on-campus classes until March 30 while evaluating its next steps.
Meanwhile, Springfield is canceling a St. Patrick's Day parade that usually attracts a crowd of about 7,500 people amid concerns about the outbreak.