By Lee Bratcher/OC Monitor
HARTFORD, Ky. — Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston returned this morning for his Thursday COVID-19 livestream update on Facebook. Joining Johnston today was Jim Duke, president of Com-Care EMS, and Charlie Shields, Ohio County EMA Director. Com-Care EMS provides the ambulance service for Ohio County.
Johnston said he was “really proud” of the citizens of Ohio County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You guys are doing what you’re supposed to be doing, social distancing, and don’t go anywhere you don’t have to go. Stay home as much as possible,” Johnston said. “If you go to the store, go one at a time, please. And by us being ahead of the game, by having precautions in place before the crisis hit us, I’m thinking we may be better off than the rest of the nation, but don’t let up. Keep on doing what we’re doing.”
Johnston informed those who need help getting food, housing, healthcare, senior services, child care, etc., call 2-1-1 or visit greenriver211.org, to talk to someone who can help. Call 9-1-1 if there is a medical emergency.
Green River 211 is a contact center with trained specialists who can connect people in need to those who can help. Green River 211 is free and confidential. People in need can also text the service by texting their zip code to 898211.
Johnston assured those watching the livestream, county government was still working with all departments available to citizens.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call any of our offices,” Johnston said. “Some of our offices are working from home as much as possible to try to prevent the spread (of COVID-19), but we’re still here to serve you and that’s still the number one goal that we have.”
Johnston then asked Duke to speak to those watching the update.
Duke talked about what precautions Com-Care takes during a medical emergency run. EMS continues to work every day with additional staff brought in to help during the COVID-19 crisis.
The employees are training every day to learn the latest policies and procedures to treat, not just COVID-19 patients, but any patient with an emergency, in a safe manner without spreading the virus.
Duke thanked those who made cough gowns for the EMS employees. The cough gowns were a much-needed item, and they can be washed and re-used.
Duke said anytime an ambulance was called out for an emergency, the vehicle was cleaned and disinfected and the personnel was decontaminated.
If you call an ambulance to your home, and after arriving, you speak to the ambulance personnel and decide to call your doctor and not go to the hospital, you will not be charged for the ambulance run.
“We don’t want to be going out on everything you just need to call the doctor for, but we’re trying to minimize the movement of patients as much as possible and we’ll talk to you about your options when we get your home in regard to what happens from that point forward,” Duke said.
Duke, like Johnston, urged people to stay at home.
“Stay apart. Don’t congregate, don’t get in groups, don’t go to the store with an entire group of people,” Duke said. “We’re doing a pretty good job in Ohio County flattening the curve, but we can’t let our guard down. When I drive through town every day, I see people out, maybe not exactly following the instructions our governor has given them. Pay attention. It’s important. The life you save may be your own, or it may be a family member of somebody else.”
Duke ended by telling people one of these days Ohio County may have its first death due to COVID-19, “don’t let it be your fault. Think about that.”
Shields then came forward to remind citizens to call 2-1-1 for help with supplies or if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to call Ohio County Healthcare’s COVID-19 hotline at 270-256-5535.
Shields, too, urged citizens to continue to practice social distancing. He also asked churches not to hold Easter services or other events this weekend.
Ohio County right now has seven (confirmed) cases (of COVID-19). We want to keep (the COVID-19 cases) as low as possible,” Shields said. “If we can keep our people social distancing, we’re going to help flatten our numbers. But if we go out and gather up and get in a big huddle, are numbers are going to go up. Please, do social distancing.”
Shields office is continuing to get supplies needed by law enforcement, healthcare workers and first responders. For those who have those supplies and would like to donate to the first responders and healthcare workers, call Shields office at 270-298-4412. Shields will come to your home to pick up the donations.
You can also call Shields office any time you need help.
Johnston will be back with another update Tuesday, April 14, 2020, around 11 a.m.
