OWENSBORO, Ky. — The Green River District Health Department continues to investigate and respond to laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19. The health department is contacting the people that have had close contact with the patients and providing appropriate guidance about quarantine. There are six new cases to report today, all in Daviess County. The total number of cases for the seven-county district is now 32. Daviess County reports 28 cases. Henderson County has reported 2 cases. Webster County has reported 1 case. Union County has reported 1 case. As of 9 a.m. March 27, 2020, specific demographic information for the cases was reported as:
Daviess County – 28 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
- 49-year-old male
- 52-year-old male
- 49-year-old female
- 55-year-old male
- 58-year-old female
- 74-year-old female
- 21-year-old male
- 25-year-old female
- 46-year-old female
- 67-year-old female
- 53-year-old female
- 48-year-old male
- 62-year-old female
- 41-year-old male
- 36-year-old male
- 36-year-old female
- 42-year-old female
Henderson County – 2 Cases
- 61-year-old male
- 63-year-old female
Union County – 1 case
- 56-year-old male
Webster County – 1 Case
- 77-year-old male
“The new cases are not surprising” said Clay Horton, Public Health Director. “However, what is surprising to me is how many people are still resisting the social distancing requirements. Most importantly, if you are sick you must stay home. Only life sustaining businesses should be remaining open. But those businesses cannot allow employees to work sick and have to incorporate strict social distancing in their workplaces. I understand this is stressful on employers as well as employees. But it is vitally important and the best strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19. We have seen a number of employers that are doing a great job. But there are other businesses that are not understanding why this should be one of their top priorities. Failing to act now will hurt their business later and the rest of the community too.”
The health department offered this guidance:
- Stay home, avoid crowds and social distance
- 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 at 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.