COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
“Overall, our message is one of CALM — but let’s prepare now so we can continue to stay CALM.”
Shawn Ray
Noble County Health Commissioner
By: Shawn Ray, RS, MPH
Health Commissioner
Noble County Health Department
Unless you live in a bubble, you have heard news about the new novel coronavirus, now called COVID-19. What exactly is COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that causes fever, cough and shortness of breath. So why is there alarm with COVID-19? Mainly because it is a new virus and therefore, there are many unknowns. We do not know if the virus will change, how much it will change and when or if it will change. We have no vaccines, no proven treatments, and no existing immunity within the human population. Now, many of you are concerned and are wondering, is this the time to panic? The answer is a NO! However, it is time to prepare.
Prevention of COVID-19, is the same as other respiratory diseases including influenza. There are
simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread. These include:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What is being done to protect the community? From the very beginning of this new disease, the United States Public Health system has been working to limit the spread of disease in this country. These efforts have been very effective. The Noble County Health Department routinely works with local healthcare providers, the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to share information and best practices for protecting the public from disease. The Noble County Health Department has been on calls with the Ohio Department of Health, other local health departments, and hospitals. We have kept up with the latest guidance and shared them with our local partners including medical providers, EMS, EMA, law enforcement, and the schools.
Today, the United States risk for COVID-19 is still low. There have been no cases in Ohio and
very few persons under investigation (PUI’s), including none in Noble County.
You will hear more from us in the future, we are working to protect you, your family and all of Noble County.
