The Logan County Health District has been flooded with calls this week from a variety of individuals — representing businesses, schools, day cares and other local facilities — after the first cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ohio.
As of Wednesday afternoon, there were three cases reported in Cuyahoga County and one new case in Stark County, along with 24 people under investigation for the illness in Ohio, who have been tested for COVID-19, with laboratory results pending.
In Logan County, there are currently no cases or people under investigation at this time, Health Commissioner Dr. Boyd Hoddinott said Wednesday during the Logan County District Board of Health meeting. But an abundance of caution is being urged with the illness, as the Ohio Department of Health is now stating that there is community spread with COVID-19 in Ohio.
“This requires us to all step up, and use multiple public health interventions to keep the spread of COVID-19 as low as we can, to protect all our citizens. Social distancing measures can reduce opportunities for person-to-person virus transmission while delaying the spread and slowing the growth of a pandemic,” the health commissioner said.
“We’re all in this together. You need to protect yourself and protect others; that’s our basic human responsibility. If asked to do so, please follow health officials recommendations to self-quarantine in order to prevent and contain the spread of all infectious diseases. ”
COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is an upper respiratory tract disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. It was first identified in humans in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December.
Symptoms, which generally appear two to 14 days after exposure, include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care.
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 is spreading from person-to-person and someone who is actively sick with the disease can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
Using personal prevention methods at all times are imperative, the health commissioner said. These actions include as washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry hands thoroughly; using at least 60 percent alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable; don’t share personal items such as water bottles; cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; stay home when sick and avoid contact with people who are sick.
“From a wider perspective, we have to cancel most gatherings, eliminate travel, look for alternative ways to work, learn and worship,” the health commissioner said. “This is particularly important for those over 65 who have the highest death rate from COVID-19.”
In addition to preventative health measures, Dr. Hoddinott also encouraged area residents to take planning steps to ensure that their families will be kept safe by maintaining a two weeks supply of water, cash, food and pet food in the home, along with an adequate supply of any prescription medications.
The Ohio Department of Health has opened a call center to answer coronavirus questions. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at (833) 427-5634. Visit https://loganhealth.org or https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/ for more information, including specific protocol recommended for childcare and K-12 schools, employers/businesses, long-term care centers, and community and faith-based organizations.
Also during the meeting, members approved a new one-year contract for Dr. Hoddinott to continue serving as the health commissioner. His new contract begins April 1 and his salary for the part-time work will remain at $47,500.
He is supported in the role by full-time Deputy Health Commissioner Donna Peachey and Director of Business Operations Christina Bramlage.
Members also recognized Lou Ann Albers, emergency preparedness, public information officer and infectious disease nurse, as the employee of the month.
“She is our pillar behind the scenes who supports public health,” Peachy said, relating that Albers has been especially busy in recent weeks with fielding information to many different groups in the community regarding the coronavirus.
The next meeting is 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.