The Ashland County Health Department (ACHD) is reporting the 7th positive laboratory test result for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an Ashland, Ohio resident.
The public health investigation is ongoing with ACHD conducting contact tracing. Individuals who were in close contact with the confirmed case will be notified and given further instructions. No additional information will be released to protect the privacy of this individual.
The following is a history of the number of confirmed laboratory cases of COVID-19 in Ashland, Ohio:
· Case #1 on March 18, 2020
· Case #2 on March 27, 2020
· Case #3 on April 2, 2020
· Case #4 on April 9, 2020
· Case #5 on April 10, 2020
· Case #6 on April 26, 2020
Of the 7 positive cases, 5 have made a full recovery and 2 are in various stages of recovery. ACHD is currently monitoring approximately 65 individuals who are either awaiting a test result or had a known exposure to COVID-19.
As Ashland begins to gradually reopen the economy at the direction of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, it is imperative individuals protect themselves, especially when out in public and when working onsite. Practice social distancing, wear a face covering, stay home when sick, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and wash hands often.
To minimize the risk of infecting healthcare workers, individuals should call ahead before seeking medical care to discuss symptoms. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
Additional information is available at the ODH website, www.coronavirus.ohio.gov. ODH also staffs a Call Center 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. The number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).