COVID-19 & Our Community

NOTE: We are no longer updating this post, but hope much of this information remains helpful as needed. Please continue to be safe!

With the COVID-19 pandemic creating new news by the moment, we want to share some details and community information that may be helpful during this unprecedented time. 

For important updates and information:
• St. Louis County is providing updates at STLCorona.com. 
• You can also contact the St. Louis County COVID-19 Hotline 24/7 at 314-615-2660.
• Find information from the Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services at health.mo.gov, or call their 24 hour hotline at 877-435-8411.
• Visit CDC.gov for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Economic Impact Payments: Looking for information regarding IRS Economic Impact Payments? Use ONLY the IRS website for up-to-date details and go directly to www.irs.gov to avoid scams.

In all cases, be sure to get your information from trusted sources and verify any shared information, as many false stories and scams are popping up in the wake of this crisis.


The basics we should all know by now:
• It remains significant to practice social distancing, even in and around the subdivision. Remember to use that 6 foot rule if you're out walking or visiting a neighbor.
• If you are over 60 years of age and/or have any underlying health issues, please take special precautions to avoid being around others. 
• Remember, you or your children may be carriers yet not feel unwell. Children are especially good at masking symptoms, as their bodies are used to fighting off viruses. Even asymptotic, you can still spread the virus as you talk, cough or possibly touch surfaces, so do your part to keep others safe. The CDC now recommends wearing a mask or bandana when in public to help limit asymptomatic spread.
• Keep on washing those hands! Soap and hot water are perfect for those minimum 20 seconds.
• And, of course, don't touch your face. You can do it!
• Good news! UV rays can be great for killing airborne viruses, and it's getting warmer. So sit outdoors. Soak in the vitamin D. Go get some exercise. Just continue to follow the above practices.
• If you have been out of the country or exposed to someone who's contracted the virus, you are asked to self quarantine for 14 days. It takes approximately 4 to 5 days on average for symptoms to appear, but could take as many as 12 to 14 days.


If you think you're sick or have been exposed:
• This is especially the time to wear a mask. Wearing a mask can help protect others from the virus if you are unwell, especially if you are coughing or sneezing. Wearing a mask in this circumstance may help limit exposure for others in your household as well.
• Call ahead before visiting any medical facility. This includes the Mercy Virtual Care Center at 15740 S. Outer Forty Rd. in Chesterfield, which is a drive up testing facility. As of this writing, patients are required to call 314-251-0500 in order to be screened. You should be able to find more details at this link.
• Remain under quarantine per doctors' recommendations, rest and recover.


Resources & Community Assistance:
Online...
• The St. Louis County Library provides emedia, online courses and databases online.
• Scholastic has a Learn at Home website with courses for kids from Pre-K-Grade 6+. It's free with no registration required.
• Varsity Tutors is now offering free online classes for kids through their Virtual School Day portal.
• Audible.com is allowing free streaming of books for kids at Audible Stories.
• Nickelodian has launched NickHelps.com with tips and ideas to keep the kids busy, however this site may be exceeding capacity. They're also offering their pre-school service, Noggin, free for 3 months. (Check sites for details.)
• Go Noodle has free games to get kids moving.

Help for Kids...
• St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is providing diapers to families in need via a drive-thru pick up at four St. Louis County Library branches on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn more at slcl.org/drive-thru-diapers.
• Several St. Louis County Library branches are offering drive-thru meal pick up for kids under 18. Meals are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Our own Parkway School District is providing free meals for students under 18 years old at Fern Ridge High School. You may need to contact the district to see if this offer is ongoing.
• Some area Crazy Bowls & Wraps locations, including Florissant and Ferguson, are providing free meals to kids weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Services for Seniors...
The following stores have special hours for those over 60:
• Dierbergs, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. is reserved for those over 60 or individuals at high risk.
• Dollar General, first hour after opening.
• Fields Foods at 1500 Lafayette Ave. from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Schnucks, 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. is reserved for those over 60 or individuals at high risk.
• Target, first hour after opening each Wednesday.
• Trader Joe's now has a special line for seniors outside the front door from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to help expedite the entrance and shopping experience of senior customers.
• Whole Foods, 1 hour before regular store opening.


St. Louis Stuff:
• STL On the Cheap - Check out this collection of outdoor ideas and indoor downloads, all STL local.

Fun Neighborhood Ideas:
• Write messages in sidewalk chalk for all the folks walking by.
• Rehang your Christmas lights or set up other outdoor decorations to create some neighborhood cheer.
• Put a bear or other stuffed animal in your window for kids to spot as they walk by. Some families are using the book "We're Going On A Bear Hunt" along with this idea.


Helping Your Neighbors:
• If you have a connection to neighbors who are older or at higher risk, please check on them. 
• If you are well and able to pick up prescriptions, groceries or significant household items, simply inform them you'll leave the package(s) at the door.
• You may also be able to help seniors by ordering items online if they are unsure of the process.
• "Hoarding actively hurts your neighbor."* When you shop please purchase just the items you need. Community stockpiling can create the shortages feared in the short term.
• To that end, be patient with store employees and stockers. They're in the middle of all this with you and are doing the best they can.
• Be careful what you flush! Using items that can't break down in toilets is causing sewer issues in many areas. If it isn't TP, find a sanitary way to pitch it in the bin.
• The pandemic has created a severe blood shortage. Visit the American Red Cross to see if you're able to donate.
• Share this post or any of the resources above with those who may benefit from knowing about them.

We'll continue to make adjustments to this post as much as we can keep up! For now, we hope you all stay safe and well, and thanks for doing your part to help out in our community. We'll get through this together.


*Quoted from an article that's since been lost, but will credit if relocated.