ASHLAND — The Ashland County Health Department has been notified of the second positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county.
Health Department Coordinator Jill Hartson made the announcement at a 12:30 p.m. press conference Friday with Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and the Ashland County Commissioners.
The Ashland County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of this resident who would require testing or monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19. She didn’t immediately provide any additional information about the affected individual, only saying this person resides in Ashland County.
“Try not to fixate on these numbers because it’s not a very accurate picture of what’s going on. In our community and in the state of Ohio, we do still have limited testing capabilities,” Hartson said. “So even though we might only have several cases, those are only the case that we know of.”
This scenario isn’t unique to Ashland, she reiterated. The number of confirmed positive cases may not accurately reflect all that are impacted.
In Ashland, Hartson said, tests are being used for those who are hospitalized, a person who is moderately ill with co-morbidities and health professionals who exhibit signs of COVID-19.
Further, Miller noted many outstanding tests could result in an increased number of positive cases reported in the coming days.
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus that can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those at high risk for illness of COVID-19 are individuals over 60 with chronic illness or a weakened immune system.
To prevent the spread of disease, these practices are recommended:
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
– Avoid contact with sick people.
– Stay home when you are sick.
– Practice social distancing.
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces – doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, etc.
This is a developing story.
