ST. LOUIS — For Markita Jackson, COVID-19 started out as a cough. She got tested in mid-January and learned she was positive the next day.
But, as of Tuesday afternoon — 10 days later — she still hadn't been contacted by the city health department, she said.
Health departments typically try to contact residents who test positive as soon as possible to explain what can be confusing federal guidelines for those who catch the coronavirus, and to ensure they're isolating. Such a separation from the public is a key part of the country's strategy to slow down transmission.
