By Lee Bratcher/OC Monitor
HARTFORD, Ky. — After being informed Ohio County gained eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19, Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston pleaded with Ohio Countians to wear masks and keep social distance.
Johnston confirmed today’s report from the Green River District Health Department. With today’s 8 new cases, Ohio County has had a total of 232 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 24 of those coming just this week. Of the total cases, 195 of those patients have recovered from the disease. Ohio County has 37 active cases of COVID-19. Just over a week ago, the county had just 17 total active cases.
“(The active COVID-19 cases) are not isolated,” Johnston said. “(The COVID-19 cases) are across the county and not from any particular one source, other than we are letting our guard down. We’re not wearing our masks and we’re not social distancing. Those are the two main things we can do.”
While most of the cases aren’t isolated to one area or location, Johnston did say there are two residents at Signature Health Care of Hartford who has tested positive for COVID-19. One staff member of Signature Healthcare has also tested positive.
Johnston wanted the businesses in Ohio County to remain open and reminded everyone Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order mandating Kentuckians wear masks in certain settings such as stores, other businesses, government offices, etc.. Masks are to be worn indoors and even outdoors if social distancing can’t be maintained.
For more information on Gov. Beshear’s executive order, click here.
Johnston challenged everyone to do the “three W’s,” wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.
“Please continue to do that and that way we can keep everything open,” Johnston said. “I just can’t emphasize enough, to do this.”
To view Johnston’s COVID-19 update, click here.