OWENSBORO, Ky. — Thursday, October 15, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 59 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases with 10 in Daviess County, three in Hancock County, 21 in Henderson County, three in McLean County, nine in Ohio County, 10 in Union County and three in Webster County. The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the district is now 4,316. The COVID-19 related deaths were a resident of Union County and a resident of Webster County.
- 35 reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.
- 322 (7 percent) have required hospitalization.
- There have been 69 COVID-19 related deaths in the district.
- The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 3,440 (80 percent).
- The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 83,013 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,276 statewide deaths.
Ohio County picked up nine new confirmed COVID-19 cases today bringing its total confirmed cases to 560. Of those patients, 467 have recovered, leaving Ohio County with 93 active confirmed cases of COVID-19. Four Ohio Countians are hospitalized due to COVID-19.
Since Wednesday’s report, Ohio County Schools has reported one recovery of a staff member at Ohio County High School. There have been no new confirmed cases since yesterday’s report. Currently, there are four active COVID-19 cases in OC Schools, a staff member at Ohio County Middle School, a staff member at Beaver Dam Elementary, an in-person student at Ohio County High School and a virtual/remote learning student from Wayland Elementary.
OC Schools have had a total of 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases since schools re-opened, seven staff and five students. Of those, nine have recovered, five staff and four students.
COVID-19 Testing & Flu Shots
The health department is offering free COVID-19 testing. We encourage anyone who has been in crowds, had close contact with people in public, or traveled recently to get tested. 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. Flu shots, including the high dose vaccine for those 65 years of age and older, can also be scheduled on our website or by calling your county health department for an appointment.
Demographics
The cases being reported from the Green River District Health Department are being investigated and confirmed locally. These cases are then reported to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Average Age: 45
Age Range: 1 month to 100 years old
Male: 45.5 percent
Female: 54.5 percent
COVID-19 Guidance
“We want to remind people to protect themselves and those around them. Continue to practice the three “W’s:” wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance,” said Clay Horton, GRDHD Public Health Director. “This is important in private get together settings with friends and family when interacting with coworkers and in social settings like weddings. Keep any gatherings small and outside to reduce the risk of transmission. Avoid sharing items with anyone outside of your household, since this can promote the spread of the virus. Leaders of organizations like churches and workplace supervisors are encouraged to lead by example and make wise decisions to protect those for whom you are responsible.”
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.