OWENSBORO, Ky. — On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported three additional confirmed COVID-19 cases. There was one new case each in Daviess, Henderson and Webster Counties.
It was also determined that a case previously reported in McLean County had not tested positive for COVID-19. There had been a misinterpretation of a preliminary lab report. The error was discovered in finalizing the case report and the patient was notified. McLean County does not have any lab-confirmed COVID- 19 cases at this time.
“We don’t want this news to give residents a false sense of security,” said Clay Horton, Public Health Director. “People still need to vigilant in helping stop the spread. We know there are COVID-19 cases in our communities and the lab-confirmed cases are only a portion of what is in the community”.
The total number of cases reported in the district is now 44. The health department also reported the first death of a COVID-19 patient. The person was a resident of Daviess County.
The health department wants to reinforce this guidance with the community:
- 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% 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.
As of 9 a.m. March 31, 2020, total reported cases in Green River District by county are:
- Daviess County – 34 cases
- Hancock County – 1 case
- Henderson County – 5 cases
- Union County – 2 cases
- Webster County – 2 cases