With many urban hospitals across Missouri at capacity, rural hospitals are struggling to find beds for patients in need of intensive care for COVID-19 or other critical conditions. Public health experts with the One for All Missouri campaign are urging Missourians to do everything possible to stop the spread and reduce the strain on our hospitals.
- Missouri’s hospitals are at or nearing capacity. If possible, seek care elsewhere.
- If you are not sure if you should go to the hospital, call your doctor or 911.
- Take your medications as prescribed so you don’t need to be hospitalized.
- Be extremely careful. Accident victims could easily catch COVID-19 while waiting for care in the hospital.
- If you need to get tested for COVID-19, work with a healthcare provider you trust to identify the best option for you. Follow the guidelines set by the testing facility. Some will require you to wait outside or in your car until they are ready to see you. Call ahead so you know what to do.
- With the holidays right around the corner, this is a critical time for slowing the spread to help save lives and reduce the burden on our healthcare system.
- Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Stay home as much as possible. Limit your outings to only necessary trips.
- Use curbside pickup instead of shopping or eating indoors.
- Wash your hands frequently, with soap, for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay home if you or anyone in your home is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- It is not too late to get your flu shot. The flu is a vaccine-preventable illness, but still hospitalizes thousands of people each year.
- The flu vaccine protects you and the people around you. As more people are vaccinated, it becomes harder for the flu to spread.
- The flu vaccine is especially important this year. By decreasing the spread of the flu, we can prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and reduce the pressure on the hospitals.
- Find a flu shot near you today.
For more information about how to #stopthespread during the holiday season, 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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