The Scott County Health Department reports a 4th and 5th case of Covid-19.
Both patient’s test results came back positive on April 1, which made four positive results in one day for Scott County.
“The rapid increase in today’s positive cases should indicate how serious and quickly situations involving Novel Coronavirus can change,” according to the SCHD. “Scott County residents should continue to follow the Governor’s Executive Order 20-06 and stay-at-home order except for essential purposes.”
Case #4 – The patient reported only leaving home to seek medical care once symptoms began. The patient is currently in quarantine at their residence.
Case #5 – The patient works in healthcare at a location outside of the county and was exposed at their place of employment. They did visit the Dollar General Store in the Vienna area on Saturday, March 28. The patient is currently in quarantine in their residence.
SCHD nurses are working around the clock to identify and speak to all close contacts of these patients who might have been exposed and ensure the appropriate precautions are being taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.
Scott County Health Officer Dr. R. Kevin Rogers said, “It was only a matter of time before we had another confirmed case of coronavirus in our country.”
Rogers said “We know that there are many more cases in our county, but due to the lack of testing we cannot confirm that. That is why we strongly recommend if you are ill to stay at home and away from others.”
The SCHD has identified all other close contacts of the patient who might have been exposed and ensured that appropriate precautions have been taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.
Two patients were also identified earlier Wednesday.
Patient #2 – The patient’s symptoms started around March 18 and were notified of a positive test result today, April 1. SCHD Nurses said they had been in contact with the patient’s employer and they are contacting those who may have been exposed. All lose contacts will be required to be on home quarantine. The patient reported going to Scottsburg Jay-C store on the afternoon of March 18. We still believe the overall risk to the public is low.
Patient #3 – This patient is in the highest risk category for age. The patient does not work and in the past 14 days has only left their home to seek medical care.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Like influenza, human coronavirus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing.
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
- Rarely, fecal contamination
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flue, is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
