The Ashland County Health Department (ACHD) is reporting the 9th 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
· Case #7 on April 27, 2020
· Case #8 on April 30, 2020
Yesterday, Ohio’s Director of Health Dr. Amy Acton released a Stay Safe Ohio Order that is in effect until 11:59 p.m. May 29, 2020. All Ohioans are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence except as allowed in the exceptions listed in the order. The order can be viewed at: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/Directors-Stay-Safe-Ohio-Order.pdf. The order provides additional guidance on the gradual reopening of Ohio.
In the order, people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including elderly people (65 and older) and those with underlying conditions, are urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care. Underlying conditions include: chronic lung disease, asthma, serious heart conditions, hypertension, those who are immunocompromised, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, those undergoing dialysis, and liver disease.
If individuals must leave their home, they should protect themselves by doing the following: practice social distancing, wear a face covering, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and wash hands often.