Area Agencies Express Support For Unified Fight Against COVID-19

Ste. Genevieve County, along with the cities within the county issued a news release on Monday morning in accordance with all community partners, including the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, about measures taken in regard to the coronavirus.
The release said: “The county is doing everything within the law and statutorial guidelines to implement all necessary measures. All community partners are in agreement as well as support and recommend that all community residents follow the safety measures as encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control.”
The statement included information from various agencies and officials.
Sandra Bell of the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department said. “The health department staff are working with community members, community leaders, regional and state partners to address all the changing issues that develop during this current pandemic. We appreciate the collaborative actions as well as community support to all recommendations.
“In addition, the health department urges the public to take appropriate precautions including good hygiene, social distancing and limiting ‘in-person’ interactions,” Bell said. “If an individual is sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your healthcare provider for guidance regarding symptoms and any potential future action.”
The county’s emergency management director, Felix Meyer, is prepared to implement emergency measures and has extra equipment available if necessary.  An emergency station will be set up if needed.
Tom Keim, CEO of Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital said patients exposed to COVID-19 or with upper respiratory symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and fever can call the hospital 573-883-7746. Patients meeting these symptoms will be scheduled for screening.  The hospital’s screening site is located at 990 Park Drive. Patients must call first.
Mayor Paul Hassler of the city of Ste. Genevieve said, “The city is following lead of the County.”
He said all public restrooms as well as playgrounds are being closed to the general public.
Hassler wanted it noted that it is still important, however, to continue to keep essential businesses open.
David Woods, city manager fo the city of St. Mary, said business there is being done remotely with City Hall currently closed.
“St. Mary is in full compliance and support of the measures being followed by the county along with the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department,” Woods said.
Bloomsdale Mayor Paul Monia said, “The city of Bloomsdale is aware of the severity of this situation and believes the Ste. Genevieve County officials have taken the appropriate measures and will support them in any way necessary.”
Kendall Shrum, director of Ste. Genevieve Ambulance District, said that agency also is in full support of measures taken by the county and health department and will maintain operations as best as possible.
(Information in a release from the Ste. Genevieve County Commission.)