The Ashland County Health Department (ACHD) is reporting the 10th positive laboratory test result for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an Ashland, Ohio resident.
Individuals who had close contact with the confirmed case will be notified by the ACHD and given further instructions. Close contacts include those living in the same household as the confirmed case, and/or those who have had close contact with the confirmed case for 10 minutes or more.
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
· Case #9 on May 1, 2020
Of the 10 positive cases, 8 have made a full recovery and 2 are recovering. ACHD is currently monitoring around 100 individuals who had a known exposure to COVID-19. These numbers are anticipated to grow for three reasons: 1) the statewide testing capacity is anticipated to increase; 2) hospitals and outpatient clinics are ordering COVID-19 testing for individuals prior to surgery and 3) businesses are beginning to reopen.
“Since we are still months away from a COVID-19 vaccination, everyone must remain vigilant when out in public to protect themselves and others,” said Jill Hartson, public information officer for the ACHD. “Practice social distancing, wear a face covering, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and wash your hands often. Please, stay home if you are sick and isolate yourself from other household members whenever possible.”
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 difficult breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, diarrhea, vomiting, conjunctivitis, 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).