GRDHD reports 24 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 11 in Ohio County

In Local, News by OC Monitor Staff

OWENSBORO, Ky.— Monday, July 6, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 24 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, five in Daviess County, four in Henderson County, 11 in Ohio County, one in Union County and three in Webster County since July 3, 2020. The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the district is 952.

Eight reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized. Of the 952 confirmed cases in the district, 102 (11 percent) have required hospitalization. The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 833 (87.5 percent). The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 16,376 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 585 statewide deaths.

After picking up a total of 11 new confirmed COVID-19 cases last week, Ohio County picks up 11 new cases in just 3 days. Ohio County today picked up over twice as many new cases as Daviess County and almost three times as many new cases as Henderson County.

Ohio County’s total confirmed cases stands at 219 with 186 of those patients having recovered from the disease. This leaves Ohio County with 33 active cases of COVID-19. Of those 33 patients, two are currently hospitalized.

“It is more important now than ever that you use good judgment and follow our recommendations to protect yourself and your family. The virus is still out there. Practice the three “W’s”: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance,” said Clay Horton, GRDHD Public Health Director. “We encourage anyone who has been in crowds, had close contact with people in public, or traveled recently to get tested.”

COVID-19 Testing

The health department is offering free COVID-19 testing. 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.

Demographics

The cases being reported from the Green River District Health Department have been investigated and confirmed locally. These cases are then reported to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

Additional demographic information includes*

Average age: 42

Age range: 7 months old – 93

Male – 51.2 percent

Female – 48.8 percent

COVID-19 Guidance

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.