GRDHD reports 100 new COVID-19 cases, 10 new cases in Ohio Co.

In Local, News by Lee Bratcher

OWENSBORO, Ky. — Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 100 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases with 42 in Daviess County, three in Hancock County, 27 in Henderson County, three in McLean County, 10 in Ohio County, four in Union County and 11 in Webster County. The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the district is now 5,369.

Last week, Green River District saw an additional 439 reported COVID-19 cases. The past week also saw 11 COVID-19 related deaths in the seven-county region. In October, Green River District reported 1,971 (36 percent) of the confirmed COVID-19 cases and 59 (61 percent) of the COVID-19 related deaths for our seven-county area since the beginning of the pandemic.

  • 30 reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.
  • 380 (7 percent) have required hospitalization.
  • There have been 96 COVID-19 related deaths in the district.
  • The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 4,456 (83 percent).
  • The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 108,642 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,489 statewide deaths.

Ohio County begins the new week on a bad note as it picks up 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The new cases bring the county’s total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 652 with 559 of those patients having recovered from the disease. Ohio County starts the week with 93 active confirmed COVID-19 cases. Three of those patients are currently hospitalized. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 46 OHio Countians have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications and 10 residents have died due to the disease.

The COVID-19 report for Ohio County Schools has not changed since Saturday’s report. There is one confirmed case in OC Schools and it’s a staff member at Fordsville Elementary.

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 percent

Female: 55 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.