OWENSBORO, Ky. — Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 89 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases with 39 in Daviess County, two in Hancock County, 22 in Henderson County, four in McLean County, seven in Ohio County, five in Union County and 10 in Webster County. The COVID-19 related death was a resident of McLean County.
- There have been 6,583 reported COVID-19 cases in the district to date.
- The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 5,152 (78 percent).
- 43 reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.
- 441 (7 percent) have required hospitalization.
- There have been 109 COVID-19 related deaths in the district.
- The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 132,844 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,647 statewide deaths.
Ohio County added seven new confirmed COVID-19 cases today, which, thankfully, is much lower than several day’s new case totals this week, but still way too many. For the week, Ohio County has added 86 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is double last week’s total new cases of 43. For the month of November, which is the last two weeks, Ohio County has already added 129 confirmed COVID-19 cases to its total cases. In October, Ohio County added 163 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
In addition to the huge increase in new cases, Ohio County had another resident die from COVID-19 related complications. Ohio County has had two people die within the past two weeks due to COVID-19. This brings the death toll for Ohio County to 12. Unfortunately, at the rate the county is gaining new cases, it’s likely more will die.
Ohio County’s total confirmed COVID-19 cases are now at 771 with 615 of those patients having recovered or passed away. Currently, Ohio County has 156 active confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of those active cases, four Ohio Countians are hospitalized. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 54 Ohio Countians have been in the hospital due to COVID-19 issues.
There has been no change in the Ohio County Schools COVID-19 numbers since yesterday’s report.
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.
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 healthcare 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.