St. Joseph city officials report three new cases of COVID-19.
Two of the cases are women who are family members of a person who tested positive for the coronavirus previously. The city says one of the relatives is in her 20s while the other is in her 40s. Both have been quarantined for the past several days at their St. Joseph residence.
The third new positive case is a woman in her 20s with no apparent connection with any of those previously diagnosed as positive for COVID-19. City officials say she is at home in her St. Joseph residence.
All three cases were tested at Mosaic Life Care and labs were processed through the Missouri State Public Health Lab.
City officials say avoiding exposure is the best way to prevent the illness as there is currently no vaccine or medications available to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Other preventative actions to help prevent the spread of virus include:
• Comply with the shelter in place order.
• Social distancing to avoid close contact with others.
• Voluntary home isolation – stay home if showing symptoms of the virus.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. As a backup to the lack of soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical care. Call ahead before arriving at a clinic, hospital, or urgent care center.
• Wear a facemask if you are ill and around other people, such as when you seek medical care.
• Avoid sharing personal household items with other family members.