COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What You Need to Know
As a trusted health care provider in Kansas City since 1882, Saint Luke’s is deeply invested in our community’s well-being. Like you, we are closely monitoring developments with COVID-19, and at every step of the way, we are taking precautions, limiting the potential for exposure, and working to safeguard the health of our community.
Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 news and community updates from Saint Luke's.
Visitor Guidelines
Saint Luke’s is temporarily revising our visiting guidelines for all facilities in the health system.
Donate Masks
Strengthen our community by supporting urgent clinical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself from infection.
- What if I have an upcoming appointment at a Saint Luke's clinic or hospital?
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Patients can bring one guest to appointments at Saint Luke’s clinics or seeking treatment at one of our Emergency Departments. Both the patient and guest will have their temperature taken before entering the building. If the guest's temperature is 100 degrees or higher, they will not be allowed to enter. Approved guests will be required to wear a mask while in the building.
- What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
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Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- New cough (within the past 14 days)
- Shortness of breath
Learn how to manage your symptoms at home:
- What should I do if I’ve had contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
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- Even if you feel healthy, you can still potentially spread the virus. It is a high priority to reduce the risk of the spread of infection throughout our community. We encourage you to monitor your health, and watch for a fever of 100 degrees or higher, a new cough, and shortness of breath.
- Don’t go out to events, stores, activities, restaurants, or to visit family or friends – and don’t have them come visit you. Self-isolate in your own home for 14 days.
- What should I do if I have symptoms?
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- If you do start to have symptoms – fever, a new cough (within the past 14 days), or shortness of breath – stay home and contact your Saint Luke's provider to discuss your care options, or seek emergency care if symptoms worsen.
- If you are having a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Learn more about how to manage COVID-19 symptoms at home.
- How can I get tested?
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Saint Luke’s is offering appointment-only drive-thru testing to Saint Luke’s patients and employees who have been referred. Only patients or employees who meet the following criteria are eligible for this testing:
- Fever of 100 degrees or higher, a new cough (within the past 14 days), or shortness of breath, AND
- Are (a) immunocompromised, (b) have been exposed to someone with known or suspected COVID-19, OR (c) work in a health care setting.
- Current locations include Saint Luke’s Multispecialty Clinics in Blue Springs, Shoal Creek in the Northland, and Mission Farms in Overland Park.
- How does COVID-19 spread?
- The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person to person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses.
- How can I protect myself?
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It’s important with COVID-19—and any respiratory illness that might be circulating, including the flu—to follow a number of common-sense measures to reduce the chances of being exposed to illness. Our Infection Prevention experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend:
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
- Avoiding close contact with people who are ill
- Avoiding touching your face—including eyes, nose, and mouth
- Staying home when sick
- Covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
Marc Larsen, MD, Operations Section Chief for Incident Management, and Sarah Boyd, MD, System Medical Director for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Disease Evidence-Based Practice Team Chair, sit down and talk about the steps you and your family can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Discover helpful tips for kids to practice to prevent spread.