By Lee Bratcher/OC Monitor
HARTFORD, Ky. (1:25 p.m.-4/7/20) — This update is to correct a statement Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston made during his update earlier today. In the update, Johnston said Ohio County had two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of confirmed cases to eight. It is unclear whether Johnston was speaking about two previous cases from earlier this week, but there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio County, not eight.
But keep in mind, the number of test confirmed cases doesn’t matter long term. There will be many who get COVID-19 and show no symptoms, thus never seeking to be tested. Those people who have COVID-19, but show no symptoms can still spread the virus to other people. Just because you feel fine and healthy, doesn’t mean you can’t pass the virus on to a stranger or loved one. Be careful and stay safe.
HARTFORD, Ky. — Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston returned for his weekly Tuesday COVID-19 update, livestreamed on Facebook, and Ohio County Sheriff Tracy Beatty joined him.
Johnston started the update with concerning news as he reported there had been two more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio County. However, Johnston misspoke when he said there were eight total confirmed cases in Ohio County. There are officially six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio County at this time.
Johnston did say several of those confirmed cases were “well on the road to recovery.” He hoped to be able to put those people on the recovered list in about a week.
“Everybody hang in here with us. We still need to (practice) social distance. We still need to stay away from public places. Do not have gatherings or anything of this nature,” Johnston said. “Limit your travel to what you absolutely must do.”
Johnston heard from several people who were becoming depressed because of not being able to be with loved ones and friends and not being able to do much outside of the home. Johnston had a list of things to look for if you think you or someone you know may be depressed.
- Change in sleeping patterns or difficulty sleeping.
- Worsening of health problems.
- Increasing use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products.
“Those are signs you may be getting into this depressed mode and you may need help,” Johnston said.
Johnston said those who are depressed and need help could call his office, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office or Ohio County Healthcare. He also gave out a number to the Disaster Distress Help Line at 1-800-985-5990.
Beatty then gave an update about his office and what they’re doing and not doing.
“For those of you all that have been stricken by the chaos and virus, my heart goes out to you. I’ll be praying for you,” Beatty said. “I hope for a speedy recovery and remember, we’re all in this together. We’re going to get through this. Keep your spirits up and we’ll make it through it, as the Judge said.”
Beatty said his office is following the guidelines set forth by the state, as well as local guidelines, during this time.
Beatty’s office has suspended certain activities, including fingerprinting, civil criminal paper service, vehicle inspections and there’s very little transportation of prisoners because of extended court dates due to the pandemic.
Beatty wanted people to know that his office is still out on patrol.
“I had my deputies checking each individual city and areas in the county. You’ll see more of our patrol cars (because) they’re not transporting many prisoners at this time. That usually ties up (some of) my staff,” Beatty said. “I have assigned those deputies to patrol more in the area. You’ll be seeing them more in your neighborhood.”
Beatty asks anyone who sees anything odd or anything drawing concern to call his office at 270-298-4444. That number is answered 24/7.
Beatty is speaking to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to find out how to do vehicle inspections and vehicle transfers without putting the public or his officers in danger of getting or spreading COVID-19.
Beatty, Johnston, and the other offices in the Ohio County Courthouse and Community Center, including Ohio County Clerk Bess Ralph, Ohio County PVA Jason Chinn, meet regularly through video conference to discuss ways to better meet the needs of the county while still keeping everyone safe.
To pay property taxes, you can pay your bill online at ohiocountykytax.com. If you have issues paying online, Beatty said to call his office and something can be worked out. The deadline to pay taxes has been extended to May 15, 2020.
After Beatty finished, he offered words of encouragement to those watching the update.
“We’re in this together. Keep your heads up and get outside and enjoy this beautiful the weather,” Beatty said. “If you’re home, go outside and keep your spirits up. If there are problems and you see someone in need of being checked on, call my office. We’ll be glad to go check those people.”
Johnston wrapped up the update by reminding the citizens of Ohio County, the county government is still there to serve them.
“We’re doing things a lot differently, the building is closed, but if you need us, you can call us and we will get whatever you need,” Johnston said. “If you need to come into the building, we’ll get you in the building. We, as county officials and county employees, are practicing all the social distancing and the gloves and the masks and everything we can to prevent the spread of this disease. And again, I want to assure you, the county government is still here and functioning for you.”