Help stop the spread of COVID-19
Learn how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Prevention Guidance
If you or a loved one test positive for COVID-19, there may be medication options to help treat symptoms. The government launched a nationwide Test to Treat initiative in March to give people a new way to quickly access free lifesaving treatment for COVID-19. In this program, people are able to get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider, and then have their prescription filled all at one location. A web-based locator is available to assist people with finding Test to Treat sites.
Medication is most effective when started within the first five days of COVID-19 infection. Avoid the use of unapproved therapies to treat COVID-19. For more information regarding ongoing research and treatment guidelines, visit the National Institutes of Health’s COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
Talk with your health care professional if you have questions about medications or therapeutics. Missouri residents can learn more about available options.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness from COVID-19. Find a vaccination site near you.
The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should always wear a mask in public.
For additional guidance on mask wearing, visit the CDC website.
The CDC is now offering guidance on prevention measures based on community levels. Find the community level in your area on the CDC website.
Follow CDC guidance on when to get tested , including information about home testing, and when to quarantine/isolate.
To find out where you can get a COVID-19 test, visit the Local Testing Event Calendar.
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government. Kansas residents living in eligible communities can also get free tests.
When you get tested, health care workers will tell you what you need to do to avoid infecting others. Until you get your test results you should behave as you would if you had the virus. Stay home and maintain social distancing. Keep apart from family members as much as you can. If you have symptoms, visit the CDC website to learn more about what to do if you are sick.
We can all take steps to protect ourselves and loved ones and make gatherings safer. Visit the CDC website for more information on considerations to take when planning large and small gatherings.
Vaccines are an important way to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. The COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against severe illness and death.
Explore the resources on our Vaccines page to learn more and find a vaccine near you.
Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water. Soap kills the virus, but you must wash for at least 20 seconds for it to work. Keep hand sanitizer with you for situations where you can’t access soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
The CDC provides guidance on vaccination, masks, testing and quarantine/isolation.
Local public health department may also provide guidance to keep you, your family and community safe from COVID-19.
Each county in the metropolitan region and some larger cities (like Kansas City, Missouri) have a local public health department dedicated detecting, controlling and preventing communicable diseases. In addition to fighting the spread of COVID-19, health departments offer a wide range of wellness programs, such as child immunizations, particularly to low-income residents. Find contact information for your local health department here.
State governments may also provide COVID-19 guidance to residents. Visit covidvaccine.mo.gov or www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov for more information.
Local businesses can choose to follow more restrictive COVID-19 measures.
This content was last updated on June 22, 2022.