Missouri launches hotline for coronavirus questions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri on Wednesday launched a 24-hour hotline staffed by medical professionals for people seeking guidance on the new coronavirus, and at least three St. Louis-area universities took new precautions to curb the spread of the virus.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services said residents and medical providers needing advice on the virus can call 877-435-8411 at any time on any day. It said the phone number became active Wednesday morning.

So far, 46 people in Missouri have been tested for the virus that causes COVID-19 but just one has tested positive, the department said. That person is a St. Louis County resident who traveled to Italy for a study abroad program.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

Washington University announced Wednesday that it would suspend in-person classes until at least April 30, which is shortly before the end of the semester. Chancellor Andrew Martin said in a message to students that spring break, which began this week, will be extended for an additional week before classes resume online on March 23. The university also said it was closing its on-campus housing for undergraduates, instead directing them to finish the semester from their permanent home addresses.

St. Louis University said it will suspend most in-person classes next week while it evaluates what to do going forward. Maryville University said it will suspend on-campus classes until March 30 while evaluating its next steps.

Meanwhile, Springfield is canceling a St. Patrick's Day parade that usually attracts a crowd of about 7,500 people amid concerns about the outbreak.

___

The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.