From Noble County Health Commissioner Shawn Ray: Noble County’s First Local Case of COVID-19 Confirmed

by Noble County Health Commissioner Shawn Ray

Noble County Ohio – The Noble County Health Department tonight was notified of the first confirmed case of ID-19 in Noble County. The individual has been quarantined at their home and we are monitoring their health. We have also contacted the individuals who have been in close personal contact with them and are assessing their situations.

 

Health Commissioner Shawn Ray states, “This confirms what we have already know, COVID-19 is here. It is essential that we follow the Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton’s orders, this means stay at home. The changes we make now will save lives.” Residents should continue to practice social distancing while the Noble County Health Department continues its Covid-19 prevention efforts in partnership with the community.

 

Noble County Health Department (NCHD) staff are following the guidelines regarding any infectious disease. They are regularly communicating with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as well as other public health partners in the county to work as efficiently as possible to handle each case and their close contacts. NCHD will work to identify and notify any close contacts who may have been exposed to positive COVID-19 cases.

If you are sick, stay at home and isolate yourself from other people until you have experienced no symptoms for at least 72 hours. However, you still need to follow the precautions listed below. NCHD does not provide testing, sick care or treatment for COVID-19. Call your health care provider only if symptoms are severe, and if an office visit is necessary, call prior to arriving at your health care provider’s office so they can take steps to protect other patients.

What can I do?

• Practice social distancing by avoiding crowds and keeping at least 6 feet away from other people as much as possible.
• Stay home if you are sick. If someone in your household is diagnosed with COVID-19, everyone should quarantine themselves for 14 days.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Don’t share food or drinks.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Ask your employer about the possibility of working from home.

Please be aware this is a rapidly evolving situation. For Noble County COVID-19 Updates follow: the Noble County Health Department at www.noblecohd.org, on Facebook and Twitter along with the Noble County EMA on Facebook.

 

For general questions about COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call the Ohio Department Health COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833- 427-5634) between 9:00 and 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week.

 

The Noble County Health Department is working closely with all of our local partners especially the Noble County EMA, the Ohio Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control to combat the current outbreak of COVID-19. We are asking that you do your part as well to help battle this virus. STAY AT HOME!