Johnson County Emergency Management Operation Center (EOC) Prepares for COVID-19

Warrensburg, MO (March 13, 2020)— The rise of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global, national and local concern. Johnson County, Missouri officials are working closely with local, state and federal health officials to prepare for the potential spread of the disease.

On Friday afternoon the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This means the County is taking precautionary measures to prepare for the potential spread of the disease. Staff from multiple disciplines are working together in one location to constantly monitor for cases in our area and are following protocol developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Communication will be issued to the public if, and when, new information becomes available.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has activated a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers needing guidance regarding COVID-19. At 8 a.m. today, the hotline opened and can be reached at 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The EOC is recommending that residents contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) statewide public hotline if you think you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, it’s recommended that businesses review the CDC.gov to review guidelines for employees who travel.

COVID-19 symptoms include
• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath

Also, let your doctor know if you have:
• Been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19
• Have traveled to an area with sustained transmissions

Johnson County has not received any patients that have tested presumptive positive for COVID- 19 at this time.

To help prevent the spread of germs, please observe the following practices recommended by the CDC:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol- based sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
• Stay home when you are sick

The EOC is comprised of officials from the Johnson County Community Health Services Johnson County Emergency Management Agency, Johnson County Ambulance District, Warrensburg Police Department, Warrensburg Fire Department, Holden Fire & Rescue, Johnson County Fire Protection District, Knob Noster Fire and Rescue, Western Missouri Medical Center, University of Central Missouri, Whiteman Air Force Base, and Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit: http://johnsoncountyhealth.org/news/covid-19-information/.

About Western Missouri Medical Center

Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at WMMC.com