OWENSBORO, Ky. — Monday, July 13, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 52 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, 14 in Daviess County, five in Hancock County, four in Henderson County, one in McLean County and 28 in Ohio County. The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the district is 1,119.
Sixteen reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized. Of the 1,119 confirmed cases in the district, 112 (10 percent) have required hospitalization. The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 904 (81 percent). The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 19,389 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 625 statewide deaths.
Of the 28 new cases in Ohio County, 26 of the newly reported cases were associated with a long term care facility. Of those 26 cases, 16 were residents of the facility and 10 were employees. During his weekly update last Friday, Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston said, at that time, two residents and one employee at Signature Health Care of Hartford had tested positive for COVID-19.
With today’s additional 28 cases, the county has had a total of 265 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 200 patients have recovered. There are currently 65 active confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio County. Of those patients, six have been hospitalized. Over the course of the pandemic, 17 have been hospitalized in Ohio County.
“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: 43
Age range: 7 months old – 93
Male – 50.0 percent
Female – 50.0 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.
If you are sick, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to a fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or feel you have a medical emergency, call your health care provider. 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 – www.kycovid19.ky.gov. The public can also call the Kentucky COVID-19 hotline at 800-722- 5725.