GRDHD reports 159 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths; 28 new cases in Ohio County

In Local, News by OC Monitor Staff

OWENSBORO, Ky. — Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, the Green River District Health Department reported 159 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases with 72 in Daviess County, five in Hancock County, 38 in Henderson County, five in McLean County, 28 in Ohio County, four in Union County and seven in Webster County. The COVID-19 related deaths were residents of Daviess County.

  • There have been 15,348 reported COVID-19 cases in the district to date.
  • The district-wide total of recovered cases is now 11,221 (73 percent).
  • 48 reported confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.
  • 695 (4.5 percent) have required hospitalization.
  • There have been 261 COVID-19 related deaths in the district.
  • The state of Kentucky is currently reporting 313,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,991 statewide deaths.

Ohio County adds another 28 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases to its total, which has now reached 1,852. Of those 1,852 total cases, 1,333 patients have recovered or died. Currently, Ohio County has 519 active confirmed cases with six of those patients being hospitalized. Since the start of the pandemic, 94 Ohio Countians have been hospitalized and 34 Ohio Countians have died due to COVID-19 related complications.

Since yesterday’s report, Ohio County Schools has added 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases bringing its total case number to 130. Of the 130 cases, 97 patients have recovered with 54 of the recoveries being staff members and 43 recoveries being students. Of the student recoveries, 40 were in-person learning students and three were remote/virtual learning students.

At this time, OC Schools has 33 confirmed active COVID-19 cases with 16 being staff members and 17 being students. Of the staff members active cases, three are from Fordsville Elementary, one is from Ohio County Middle School, four are from Southern Elementary, four are from Wayland Elementary and four were district staff members.

Of the students confirmed active COVID-19 cases, two are from Beaver Dam Elementary, one is from Fordsville Elementary, one is from Horse Branch Elementary, six are from the Ohio County Middle School, three are from OCMS, three are from Southern Elementary and one is from the Wayland Elementary.

All of the active confirmed student cases are in-person learning 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 102 years old

Male: 45.1 percent

Female: 54.9 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.