Hello Beaver Dam – People’s Bank

Johnston provides COVID-19 update

In Local, News by Lee Bratcher

By Lee Bratcher/OC Monitor

HARTFORD, Ky. — Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston returned to Facebook Live with his lone COVID-19 update for the week. Compared to last week’s numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio County, this week was much better.

This week Ohio County had 17 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, with five in the last three days. However, the good news is there have been many more to recover from the disease, 34, than test positive this week. The county has had a total of 145 confirmed cases.

Johnston believes the lower number of confirmed cases this week, compared to last week, shows the expanded testing is working. At this time, the county has had 97 patients recover from COVID-19.

“I believe with the massive testing we are doing, I believe that we are actually improving,” Johnston said. “But, please, Ohio County, don’t let your guard down. Continue your social distancing, continue to wear your face mask when you can and, please, don’t go out in groups. We will get through this, just keep on being diligent about your preventive (measures).”

Johnston mentioned businesses and government buildings are beginning to open back up, though with some restrictions for now. The Ohio County Courthouse and Ohio County Community Center will be open Tuesday, May 26.

Ohio County EMA Director Charlie Shields spoke about the massive testing done at the Ohio County Park this week by Kroger Health and the state of Kentucky.

According to Shields, a total of 684 people were tested for COVID-19 with 205 tested Tuesday, 228 tested Wednesday and 251 tested Thursday.

Shields reminded everyone Ohio County Healthcare will continue to test for COVID-19 at its three screening centers. There is no registration required.

Everyone is encouraged to get tested whether you have symptoms or not. Those with no symptoms could still have it and spread it to those whose immune systems aren’t strong enough to fight the disease.

“If you want to get tested, it’s absolutely free,” Sheilds said. “You can call our health department and they will get you set up for it.”

Shields again reminded Ohio Countians to fill out their 2020 Census, available online at 2020Census.gov.

At this time, nationally, 59.8 percent of Americans have filled out the 2020 Census, in Kentucky, 63.6 percent have filled out the census and in Ohio County, 63.4 percent have filled out the census.
“With everybody being at home, you’ve got five minutes while you’re watching TV to pick up your smartphone (tablet or personal computer) and fill out the census,” Sheilds said.

Lastly, Shields reminded Ohio County to use “common sense” when things begin to open back up.

“I know I can’t wait to go back to a restaurant or go out and do stuff with the kids, just be cautious,” Sheilds said.

If you have any questions or need anything, you can call Shields office at 270-298-4412.

Johnston reiterated Shields plea to fill out the 2020 census.

“Like Charlie (Shields) said, be sure to fill out you census. That’s going to mean a lot if any help comes down to our county or to individuals,” Johnston said. “It means a lot to get everybody in our county counted. It’s very crucial.”

Johnston ended the update by asking the people of Ohio County to follow guidelines handed down by medical professionals and Governor Andy Beshear’s Office.

Johnston ended the update by asking the people of Ohio County to follow guidelines handed down by medical professionals and Governor Andy Beshear’s Office.

The COVID-19 Screening Center at OCH will be available from 8 a.m.-7p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the weekends. The OCH screening center is at 1132 Clay Street in Hartford.

This coming Tuesday, May 26, the Hartford location of the COVID-19 Screening Center will move to the Ohio County Family Care building. Look for a tent located to the right of the building. Testing is open to everyone. Do not need to have virus symptoms or known exposure.

The OCH COVID-19 Fordsville Screening Center is at the Fordsville Area Medical Clinic at 44 West Main Street from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday.

The OCH COVID-19 Morgantown Screening Center is at Butler County Family Care at 210 North Main Street in Morgantown from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

No screening centers will be open on Memorial Day, May 25.

Over the Memorial Day Weekend, walk-in or virtual visits will be available at the Ohio County Quickcare. Visit the Covid-19 or Virtual Visit page at OCHcares.com for more information.

The Green River District Health Department will also provide more COVID-19 testing in Fordsville with its mobile unit Tuesday, May 26, for those in the northern part of the county.

To schedule an appointment, visit the GRDHD website, https://healthdepartment.org, and follow the COVID-19 Test prompts. You must be pre-registered to be tested.