The Phelps-Maries Health Department is asking Maries County residents to do their part in helping to slow the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus throughout the community in the county.

Preventative measures that can be taken to help mitigate the further spread of Covid-19 include:

• Avoid crowded spaces, public or private events and gatherings

• Do not go to school, work, or any place of public accommodation if experiencing any symptoms of illness

• Avoid contact with people who are sick

• Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others

• Clean your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

• Wear a mask when in public or around people outside of your household. A mask helps prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw tissue in trash, and perform appropriate hand hygiene measures

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily

• Get a flu shot to decrease the chance of co-infections.

An upcoming FREE community testing events hosted by MO Department of Health and Senior Services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Lions Club Den in Rolla. This testing does not require a doctor’s note but registration is strongly encouraged. Register for testing at health.mo.gov/communitytest or call 877-435-8411.