By Tyeisha Clark
All over the nation, Americans are being urged to shelter in place in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to a compilation of statistics done by KMOV, as of March 27, there were 17 confirmed cases of the virus in the Metro East.
“I want America to understand, this week, it’s going to get bad,” said Surgeon General Jerome Adams.
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms of the virus include cough, fever, tiredness, or in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 then you should consider getting tested. There are three testing sites you can choose to visit in the Metro East.
A testing site has been opened by the St. Clair County Health Department in Swansea, Ill. The testing site is located at the Siteman Cancer Center at 4000 North Illinois Lane.
The site is asking for people with symptoms to complete a pre-screening process which is required to enter. The pre-screening can be completed by the Health Department or by a physician. The hours of operation are noon to 6 p.m.
Another testing site is located at the eastern edge of the Metro East region in Mt. Vernon, Ill. It is located at SSM Health, 1 Good Samaritan Way.
This location is a drive-thru site. To be tested at this site you must be referred by SSM Health, or complete the SSM Health virtual screening online here.
The third COVID-19 testing site in the Metro East thus far is in Centralia, Ill. at SSM Health located at 400 N. Pleasant Ave. Again, to be treated here you need to be referred by SSM Health, or complete the online screening.
If a person has come into contact with someone with COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that they be tested. If you are experiencing symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, then it is suggested you complete the online screening or see your doctor.
For a full list of risk factors and preventive measures, follow these CDC guidelines:
- Avoid exposure. Isolation is key.
- Wash your hands, and/or use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands as this can introduce the virus to your body.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick and isolate yourself to the extent possible from others in the home if you have COVID-19 symptoms
For more information about COVID-19 including symptoms, treatment and prevention, please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 online resource.