OWENSBORO, Ky. — Ohio County has lost another resident to COVID-19 complications, raising the county’s death toll to 15. Ohio County also added another 18 confirmed COVID-19 cases today, according to the Green River District Health Department.
The GRDHD reported 141 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases in the district today, with 45 in Daviess County, seven in Hancock County, 35 in Henderson County, 12 in McLean County, 18 in Ohio County, 14 in Union County and 10 in Webster County. In addition to the death of an Ohio Countian, there was a COVID-19 related death of a Daviess County resident and a resident of McLean County also passed away.
After the medical records and death certificates were reviewed by the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the DPH determined COVID-19 was not a contributing factor to two previously reported deaths. Those deaths have been removed from the totals, one from Henderson County and the other from Webster County.
- There have been 7,427 reported COVID-19 cases in the district to date.
- The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 5,795 (78 percent).
- 53 reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.
- 480 (6.5 percent) have required hospitalization.
- There have been 127 COVID-19 related deaths in the district.
- The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 152,206 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,762 statewide deaths.
With today’s 18 new confirmed cases, Ohio County has collected 87 new cases this week, one more than last week’s 86 cases. In two weeks, Ohio County has added 173 cases to its total cases. Currently, Ohio County has 858 total confirmed COVID-19 cases with 686 of those patients having recovered or died.
Ohio County has 172 active confirmed cases with six Ohio Countians hospitalized. There have been 60 Ohio Countians hospitalized since the start of the pandemic. With today’s death, three Ohio Countians have died this week and 15 have died due to COVID-19 complications since the beginning of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 report for Ohio County Schools hasn’t changed since yesterday’s report.
OC Schools will move to remote/virtual learning beginning Monday, Nov. 23, through Jan. 3, 2021. OC Schools Food Services will begin delivery to students again starting Monday, Nov. 23.
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 crucial when interacting with anyone outside of your household, including friends, extended family, coworkers and in public settings. Do not host or attend gatherings of any kind. Leaders of organizations like churches, team coaches 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.