UPDATE: One of the two tests for COVID-19 has come back negative, according to Randolph County Health Department Administrator Sharon Whisenand. The department is expecting to learn the results of the second test on Monday, though they could come later, Whisenand said.

Two people in Randolph County are being tested for COVID-19, often referred to as coronavirus, said Randolph County Health Department Administrator Sharon Whisenand.

"If there are confirmed cases then we are going to work with those people to make sure they isolate themselves and don’t go out," Whisenand said.

Those who are being tested for the virus have already been asked to self-isolate until results of the test come back, she said.

She urged people to take precautions to prevent themselves from getting sick like hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, avoiding face touching and staying home when sick.

Whisenand and other health department officials met with county school district administrators Wednesday morning to go over protocols if there is an outbreak of the virus.

"We’re kind of going to go case by case," Whisenand said. "We definitely are going to be in communication with the schools."

As of Friday morning there have been two recorded presumptive positive COVID-19 case in Missouri — on in St. Louis County and one in Springfield. Both had recently had returned from trips to Italy and Austria, respectively.

The World Health Organization classified COVID-19 as a pandemic Wednesday. The WHO classifies a pandemic as "a worldwide spread of a new disease", which is meant to describe the geographical impact of a new disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures including:

Voluntary home isolation: staying home if you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms.Respiratory etiquette: covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.Hand hygiene: washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60-95 percent alcohol.Environmental health action: routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Patients with COVID-19 typically have symptoms associated with mild to severe respiratory illness and may include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, more serious complications, including high fever, pneumonia and sepsis can occur, leading to a more severe illness and potentially death. CDC data suggests the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, are at a great risk of serious illness.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has set up a hotline that can be called at any time. The number is 1-877-435-8411. Anyone with concerns about exposure to COVID-19 should call the hotline. Unless it is a medical emergency, people who suspect they may have the virus should not go to the emergency room or regular physician’s office without calling ahead, Whisenand said.

"If people suspect they have the virus, they can’t just walk in anywhere and get a test done," she said. "They do need to have physicians or nurse practitioner’s order. We would recommend that people call facilities before they go there."

Moberly School District Superintendent Matthew Miller and Moberly Area Community College President Jeff Lashley were not immediately available for comment Thursday afternoon.

This story will be updated as more information is made available.

ecliburn@moberlymonitor.com