Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about COVID-19, please call the Information Hotline at 636-949-1899.

Please note: The COVID-19 outbreak remains a rapidly evolving situation and available information is fluid. For additional information on current activities, refer to the COVID-19 Latest News page and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Thank you.

  1. What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and what are common symptoms?
  2. How does COVID-19 spread?
  3. Should I be concerned about COVID-19?
  4. How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
  5. Should I wear a well-fitting face covering?
  6. What does it mean to be asymptomatic?
  7. What is Community Spread?
  8. What are the similarities and differences between COVID-19, Influenza and the Common Cold?
  9. What is contact tracing, and why is it important?
  10. What information is needed for contact tracing?
  11. What can I use to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces?
  12. Are there recommendations for dental services during COVID-19?
  13. My question was not listed among these FAQs. Where can I go for additional information?
  1. How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
  2. What is a viral test, and what do the results tell you)?
  3. What is an antibody test?
  4. What do the results from an antibody test mean?
  5. What are the limitations of antibody testing?
  6. Are test materials available in St. Charles County, and how may they be obtained?
  7. How does St. Charles County utilize test results? Can an antibody test affect the quarantine period for an individual?
  8. How is COVID-19 treated?
  9. Should I take chloroquine phosphate, hydroxychloroquine or other medicines to prevent or treat COVID-19?
  10. My question was not listed among these FAQs. Where can I go for additional information?
  1. What is mandatory quarantine?
  2. What is Isolation?
  3. What happens after I receive my quarantine notification?
  4. What is the duration of quarantine or isolation for positive cases and close contacts or household contacts to positive cases?
  5. Are there any laws that pertain to quarantine?
  6. Why do I need to isolate from my household members?
  7. If I'm isolated, can I leave my room to do things around the house?
  8. What if I test positive and have young children and/or dependent household members for which I am responsible?
  9. I tested positive for COVID-19. Do I need to test negative in order to be released from quarantine or isolation?
  10. I've tested positive for COVID-19. Should everyone with whom I have closely contacted be tested too?
  11. How will I obtain groceries or other necessities if I live alone, or if everyone in my household is quarantined with me?
  12. Are there mental health resources available for me during these challenging times?
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  1. What is the purpose of St. Charles County making a State of Emergency declaration?
  2. What is St. Charles County doing to protect residents?
  3. How can I view all of the County Executive's orders related to COVID-19?
  4. Does the statewide policy overrule my local county or community orders?
  5. Who do I call if I have public safety concerns related to COVID-19?
  6. How often is the St. Charles County Executive’s office receiving updates from the St. Charles County Department of Health?
  7. Are hearings and jury service at the 11th Judicial Circuit Court affected by COVID-19?
  1. Where can I find additional information specific to workplaces, restaurants, schools, professional service providers, retail establishments, healthcare settings and other community organizations?
  2. Is St. Charles County reaching out to various groups and organizations planning events with large gatherings to coordinate on best practices when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19?
  3. Who do I call if I have public safety concerns related to COVID-19?
  4. In light of several events around the country being cancelled, what is St. Charles County’s stance on asking various groups and organizations to cancel or postpone their gatherings?
  5. How can large businesses and factories still operate with their employees under the current prohibitions?
  6. My business is re-opening/returning back to operating as normal, but I don’t feel comfortable returning to work, do I have to go?
  7. My business/My job has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, can you help me?
  8. What if my job requires me to be within six feet (6’) of another employee and/or customer?
  9. I coach or play organized sports or manage a neighborhood/community pool complex. Do the re-opening policies apply?
  10. Can St. Charles County provide any assistance on opening public pools, hot tubs or other aquatic facilities? What guidelines must I follow?
  11. My question was not listed among these FAQs. Where can I go for additional information?
  1. As a pet owner, what should I do to keep myself and my pet safe from COVID-19?
  2. Can I get COVID-19 from my pet or another animal?
  3. Can mosquitoes, houseflies or ticks spread COVID-19?
  4. What should I do to care for my pet, if I'm exposed to COVID-19?
  5. Can pets test positive for COVID-19?
  6. Can wild animals spread COVID-19 to me or my pet?
  7. Can I walk my dog during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  8. Is it safe to foster or adopt a pet during COVID-19?
  9. My question was not listed among these FAQs. Where can I go for additional information?
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  1. Can you provide me more information related to a particular COVID-19 case?
  2. How can people stop stigma related to COVID-19?
  3. I recently received a package shipped from an area where the illness is present. Am I at risk for COVID-19 by opening that package?
  4. Are hearings and jury service at the 11th Judicial Circuit Court affected by COVID-19?
  5. Can St. Charles County assist me with custody issues, contract disputes and other legal activities during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  6. My question was not listed among these FAQs. Where can I go for additional information?