OWENSBORO, Ky. — Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, the Green River District Health Department reported 177 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases with 102 in Daviess County, five in Hancock County, 28 in Henderson County, 11 in McLean County, 24 in Ohio County, one in Union County and six in Webster County. The COVID-19 related deaths were a resident of Daviess County and 4 residents of Henderson County.
- There have been 10,294 reported COVID-19 cases in the district to date.
- The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 7,683 (75 percent).
- 47 reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.
- 569 (5.5 percent) have required hospitalization.
- There have been 195 COVID-19 related deaths in the district.
- The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 217,120 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,168 statewide deaths.
Ohio County adds 24 new confirmed cases to its total cases today. For the week, Ohio County added 123 new confirmed cases, which is 100 less than last week’s, but still a very alarming number of cases. What’s actually more alarming than this week’s 123 new confirmed cases in Ohio County, is the death of six Ohio Countians this week. Since the pandemic began, this week has been the most deadly.
With today’s 24 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, the county’s total cases stands at 1,299 with 905 of those patients having recovered. This leaves Ohio County with 394 active confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of those active cases, 12 Ohio Countians are hospitalized with COVID-19 related complications. With six Ohio Countians dying this week of COVID-19 related complications, 24 residents have died since the beginning of the pandemic
Ohio County Schools haven’t updated its COVID-19 Dashboard report since yesterday.
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. It may take longer to receive test results during the holidays. The lab will be closed for processing Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31.
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 Male: 45% Age Range: 1 month to 102 years old 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 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.