OWENSBORO, Ky. — The Green River District Health Department continues to investigate and respond to laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19. So far none of the cases have required hospitalization and all patients are being isolated in their homes until they are well and unable to spread the virus.
The health department is contacting the people who have had close contact with the patients and is providing appropriate guidance and instructions about quarantine.
Since Friday evening GRDHD has investigated five additional COVID-19 cases in Daviess County. The total number of cases for the seven-county district is now 13.
Henderson County has reported 2 cases and Daviess County has reported a total of 11. As of 9 a.m. March 23, 2020, specific demographic information for the cases was reported as:
Henderson County – 2 Cases
- 61-year-old male
- 63-year-old female
Daviess County – 11 Cases
- 51-year-old male
- 48-year-old male
- 48-year-old female
- 23-year-old female
- 69-year-old male
- 58-year-old female
- 50-year-old female
- 54-year-old male
- 20-year-old female
- 25-year-old male
- 50-year-old female
“Additional confirmed cases are not surprising,” said Clay Horton, Public Health Director. “The public should not be alarmed. We anticipate there will be new cases. Everyone needs to strictly adhere to the social distancing recommendations and other guidance that is being provided.”
The health department offered this guidance:
- Avoid crowds
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick (fever, cough, sneeze, and difficulty breathing). To
avoid close contact, stay at least 6 feet away from others. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- To avoid coughing into your hands, you can cough into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Adults over 60 and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Those people should be extra vigilant and stay home as much as possible.
To help answer the community’s questions about COVID-19, the Kentucky Department for Public health has set up a website with the latest guidance and information for Kentucky residents. The site can be accessed at www.kycovid19.ky.gov. The public can also call the Kentucky COVID-19 hotline at 800-722- 5725.