Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions
Answers to common questions
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates it is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus first identified in 2019. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness like the common cold.
COVID-19 is spread when healthy people are exposed to droplets from a cough or a sneeze from an infected person. Chances of infection increase when a person is closer than about 6 feet for longer than 10 minutes. The virus can also live on surfaces and can be transmitted when people touch surfaces then touch their face or food.
In severe cases, infection can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. From what we know so far, illness seems to be more severe in older individuals and in people with other health conditions.
In general, symptoms usually appear 2–14 days after exposure. CDC is gathering information on whether this novel coronavirus can be spread by people before they show symptoms. At this time, CDC’s guidance is based on the available science, which suggests that the incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days and that patients are most contagious when they have a fever/symptoms.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use a tissue or a sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your face. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick. Disinfect “high-touch” surfaces (i.e., tables, toilets, light switches, phones, doorknobs) every day with EPA approved disinfectant or diluted bleach (1/3 cup bleach:1 gallon water) or 60% alcohol-based solution. Avoid crowds and groups greater than 10 persons.
Yes, there is community spread in Missouri. Similar to how the flu and/or the common cold is spread, this means that it is spread from person to person through coughs or sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Anyone who is exposed COVID-19 may become infected. Traveling to an area with widespread transmission of COVID-19 increases your risk.
High-risk persons include older adults and people who are immunocompromised and/or have severe chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, lung disease).
A MILD case of COVID-19 causes mild fever, headache, body aches and cough. A SEVERE case of COVID-19 causes fever, cough and shortness of breath (i.e., difficulty breathing while doing daily activities, going up stairs, walking, eating, bathing, sleeping, talking, etc. and is NOT related to a previous health condition). Some patients may develop pneumonia. Symptoms appear two-14 days after exposure.
Stay home. If your symptoms are mild, manage them at home. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions and/or recommendations and to rule out other common illnesses. If symptoms worsen and you are unable to manage your symptoms at home, contact your healthcare provider, urgent care, local hospital, or 911 and make them aware of your symptoms prior to arriving.
NO. Being exposed to COVID-19 is not an emergency. Call your healthcare provider to discuss your exposure and symptoms. Do NOT go to your healthcare provider office or clinic until after you have spoken with someone in the office or clinic.
There is no vaccine for COVID-19. At this time, over-the-counter medications (e.g., acetaminophen and ibuprofen and cough and/or cold medicines) can be used to treat symptoms. It is also important to stay hydrated with water and limit caffeinated drinks. If you are unable to stay hydrated, become unable to care for yourself, or begin to have shortness of breath, then you should contact emergency services.
It is unknown. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with public health agencies and scientists to learn more about COVID-19.
The Platte County Health Department had not ordered masks to be mandatory but highly recommends them in the cities and unincorporated areas it serves. Other cities and counties around Platte County may or may not require masks to be worn you will need to check with those locations.
Yes, you may go outside. Maintain 6 feet of social distancing and avoid crowds and groups of 10+ people.
COVID-19, Testing
Currently, community-wide testing is not available. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they are affiliated with a private lab that is providing testing.
The answer currently is to go to your health care provider, meaning a doctor’s office or urgent care center — but only if you show symptoms and, as of now, know you have been exposed to someone confirmed to have had the virus. And you must call in advance. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and that 80% of those who are ill will experience mild symptoms so you may be able to isolate and care for yourself at home.
There are no medications specifically approved for this novel coronavirus. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some people have developed pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.
COVID-19 diagnostic testing, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), is becoming available in clinical laboratories. This additional testing capacity will allow clinicians to consider COVID-19 testing for a wider group of symptomatic patients. Locally, this enhanced testing capability is expected shortly.
COVID-19, Closings
If you are seeking enforcement of the Platte County Health Department Order, please contact your company Human Resources or Legal Departments. Otherwise contact the appropriate Platte County Office for more information about closings.
DO NOT CALL 9-1-1. Use the administrative number.
| Location | Agency / Department | Phone Number | Fax Number |
| Platte County | Platte County Sheriff's Office Main Line |
816-858-2424 | 816-858-3053 |
| Platte County Sheriff's Office Detention Center |
816-858-3462 | ||
| Assessor | 816-858-3310 | 816-858-3314 | |
| Associate Circuit Judge - Division 3 | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 6 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Associate Circuit Judge - Division 4 | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 7 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Associate Circuit Judge - Division 5 | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 8 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Auditor | 816-858-3328 | 816-858-1929 | |
| Circuit Clerk | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 1 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Circuit Judge - Division 1 | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 4 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Circuit Judge - Division 2 | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 5 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Collector | 816-858-3356 | 816-858-3357 | |
| County Clerk | 816-858-3340 | 816-858-3363 | |
| County Commission | 816-858-2232 Press 9, 7 | 816-858-3329 | |
| Emergency Management | 816-858-2424 | 816-858-3230 | |
| Facilities Management | 816-858-3350 | 816-858-3329 | |
| Human Resources | 816-858-3384 | 816-858-1983 | |
| Jury Commissioner | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 3 | 816-858-1926 | |
| Park & Recreation | 816-858-3419 | 816-301-6278 | |
| Planning & Zoning | 816-858-3338 | 816-858-3369 | |
| Probate Division | 816-858-2232 Press 1, 2 | 816-858-3392 | |
| Prosecuting Attorney | 816-858-3476 | 816-858-3472 | |
| Public Administrator | 816-858-2232 Press 4 | 816-858-3447 | |
| Recorder of Deeds | 816-858-3326 | 816-858-2379 | |
| Technology Services | 816-858-1944 | ||
| Treasurer | 816-858-1937 | 816-858-3393 | |
| Juvenile Services | 816-858-3420 | 816-858-3411 | |
| Board of Elections | 816-858-4400 | 816-858-3387 | |
| Public Works Department | 816-858-2223 | 816-858-3471 | |
| Visitors Bureau - Resource Center | 816-270-3979 888-875-2883 |
816-858-3387 | |
| Facilities Management - Resource Center | 816-464-4618 | ||
| Missouri University Extension | 816-270-2141 |
