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2020/03/09 - Mayor's Column: COVID-19 Preparedness and Prevention

 

­­­“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
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By now, everyone has heard of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including in the United States. Those affected may develop a fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some can progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure.

The infection is spread from one person to others via respiratory droplets produced from the airways, often during coughing or sneezing. Hand washing, maintaining distance from people who are coughing and not touching one's face with unwashed hands are measures recommended to prevent the disease.

More cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in communities in the United States. The widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States could occur. At this time, there is still only a small number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in comparison to the overall population. The State of Illinois has seven cases out of a population of 12.5 million people.

Widespread transmission of COVID-19 would translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. Schools, childcare centers, workplaces, and other places for mass gatherings may experience more absenteeism and may have to close temporarily. Depending on the severity it could impact the availability of services from Public Health and healthcare systems. Other critical infrastructure, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and transportation industry may also be affected.  We are gathering data and information to make sure that we are prepared.  We want to be proactive with this instead of being reactionary after the fact.

This column by no means is intended to provoke fear. It is just a warning and update on what we can do to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, if it does come to our community.

The City of O’Fallon has been meeting with the State of Illinois, St. Clair County Department of Public Health, O’Fallon’s schools, day-cares, retirement homes and churches to improve preparedness and response plans to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus.

Here are a few basic protective measures that are recommended from the World Health Organization:

  • Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Maintain social distancing (at least three feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing).
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without first washing your hands.
  • Practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
  • Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider.

O’Fallon is fortunate to have an excellent Public Safety Department and access to quality healthcare. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in O’Fallon, but we still want to be prepared.

As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!