OWENSBORO, Ky. — Today, April 19, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 16 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, 11 in Daviess County, three in Henderson County, one in McLean County and one in Ohio County. The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the district is 196.
Ten people in the district are currently hospitalized. Of the 196 confirmed cases in the district, 35 (18 percent) have required hospitalization. The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 96 (49percent).
Earlier this morning, Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston reported the new confirmed case on the Ohio County Fiscal Court Facebook page. Today’s new case gives Ohio County 14 total confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, Johnston also reported of those 14 cases, eight have recovered, leaving only six active cases of COVID-19 in Ohio County. Two of those patients are currently hospitalized.
Though most of Ohio County’s COVID-19 patients are recovering, as Ohio County Healthcare expands testing, new confirmed cases could be more frequent. COVID-19 is still out there and though many may not even know they have the virus, they can still spread it to others who may end up hospitalized or worse.
“We all play a part in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Stay home, avoid crowds, wash your hands, and practice physical social distancing, staying at least 6 feet away from others. We have to stick with this strategy. We can’t let our guard down.” said Clay Horton, Public Health Director. “We expect to see more new cases. It is crucial we do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
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.
- Wear a cloth face cover when you have to go out in public.
- 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. 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 11 a.m. April 19, 2020, total reported cases in Green River District by county are:
Additional demographic information includes:
Average age: 48
Age range: 16 – 93
Male – 46.4 percent
Female – 53.6 percent
