With COVID-19 cases remaining low, Springfield-Greene County Health encourages the community to enjoy this Easter and Passover weekend. Individuals should feel safe to gather with loved ones but may want to take some extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Before the gathering
Getting tested for COVID-19 can help prevent the spread of disease. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are gathering with people at high-risk for severe illness, testing is a great way to have peace of mind before you celebrate.
Springfield-Greene County Health has free testing available at Westside Public Health Center (660 S. Scenic Ave.) from 8-11:30 a.m. Friday, April 15. Individuals may make an appointment at COVIDTesting417.com. Walk-ins are also welcome and you do not need to be showing symptoms to be tested. Most individuals can expect test results within 24 hours – ahead of Easter and Passover gatherings.
During the gathering
If you are sick, stay home to keep loved ones safe.
Since Greene County is currently at a low community impact level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masking may not be necessary during gatherings. According to the CDC, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Individuals should also consider gathering or eating outside or in a well-ventilated indoor space to help lower airborne disease transmission.
After the gathering
If you start experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after a holiday gathering, the best thing you can do is get tested. Westside Public Health Center has testing appointments from 8-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday the week following the Easter and Passover holiday. Book an appointment at COVIDTesting417.com. If you develop COVID-19, there are treatment options available for cases ranging from mild to severe. You can view treatment options and availability at TreatCOVID417.com.
Getting vaccinated continues to be the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People who are up to date on vaccines have much lower risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 compared with unvaccinated people. It’s not too late to make the choice and Springfield-Greene County Health has multiple opportunities. To find upcoming vaccine clinics near you, visit Vaccine417.com.
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Media may contact the Health Department PIO Team by call or text at 417-380-2556 or email at [email protected].
Springfield-Greene County Health Department
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