By Lee Bratcher/OC Monitor
HARTFORD, Ky. — Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston was back for his twice-weekly COVID-19 update for Ohio County and in today’s update he confirmed the report released earlier by the Green River District Health Department, Ohio County has four new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The four new cases bring the county’s total cases to 18. There was some good news, as eight of those 18 cases have recovered from the virus. At this time, two are hospitalized with COVID-19 and out of the 18 total cases, there have been 5 hospitalizations.
“I still believe that we’re doing a better job here than other places are and I want you to keep it up,” Johnston said to those watching.
Johnston believed the new cases were Ohio Countians who worked outside of the county, intimating those four people were infected outside of Ohio County.
“It’s important that we keep on doing our social distancing. Stay at home, except when you have to go to the store,” Johnston said. “And for those who are still working, make sure you social distance at work, and going and coming, be careful wherever you are. Wash your hands as soon as you get home each time.”
Ohio County EMA Director Charlie Shields asked those who need non-emergency assistance to remember to dial 2-1-1. Green River 211 has operators ready 24/7 to help put you in touch with those who can help you with your needs. You can also call Shields’ office at 270-298-4412 for assistance.
According to Shields, Ohio County Healthcare has tested 158 patients and are awaiting results on 42 of those tests. OCH has three locations to get tested for COVID-19. Only those meeting the criteria for testing will be tested. The three OCH locations are in Hartford, Fordsville and Morgantown.
“If you think you’ve got the symptoms and you need to get tested, feel free to go to any of those locations and the nurses will guide you through (the process),” said Shields.
Shields reminded people to fill out the 2020 Census while they’re stuck at home. Filling out the census helps Ohio County receive money from the state and federal government. If the government doesn’t have the correct number of people in Ohio County, it could lose out on important funding for programs that affect everyone. You can fill it out online in a matter of minutes. Click here to visit the 2020 Census site. If you need help filling out the census, call Shields’ office at 270-298-4412.
Johnston closed the update with more praise for Ohio County and a prediction, of sorts.
“Keep up the good work. We’re really proud of how we’ve contained things as well as we have. We’re going to continue to do so,” Johnston said. “Folks, I don’t think this is going to last a whole lot longer. So be diligent and hang in there with us and together we will get through this.”