Wyandot County Public Health is sad to announce we received notice this afternoon of the first death of a resident who tested positive for COVID-19.

The patient was a male in his 60’s with underlying health conditions.

“The news of this death truly saddens us and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual,” said Wyandot County Health Commissioner, Dr. Keri Harris. “Unfortunately this epidemic has begun to affect us locally. Both the Health Department and Medical Community are working tirelessly to slow the spread of this virus, and be prepared to respond, should it worsen. Out of respect for the privacy of the patient and his/her family, we will not be releasing any additional identifying information.”

To minimize the spread of this virus, citizens are reminded to follow the stay at home order, practice social distancing, and wash their hands frequently.

Today we are reporting six confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wyandot County. Do not rely on the number of positive tests to determine when you need to protect yourself. Continue to practice social distancing.

The Ohio Department of Health has reported 5148 confirmed cases, 1495 hospitalizations, and 193 deaths in Ohio as of 2:00 PM Wednesday. For additional statewide case information visit: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

Some Ohioans working at essential businesses during this pandemic are worried about the risk to those who live with them if there has been exposure to the virus in the workplace.

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, strongly recommends that any essential employees returning from work protect their household by cleaning all high-touch surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables, every day. Surfaces that may have body fluids on them should also be sanitized.

While at home and work, make sure to follow standard precautions to protect yourself and encourage your household members to do the same.

·Wash your hands for at least twenty seconds with soap and water. Do this often, especially after being in contact with high-touch surfaces or other people.

·Always keep at least six feet between yourself and others if possible.

·Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Encourage your employer to follow guidance from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health to prevent the spread of infection in the workplace. Follow standard rules like:

·Cleaning high-touch areas often.

·Keeping employees six feet away from each other and customers, if possible.

·Screening employees for symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) before starting work.

·Sending home any employee who has symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath).

If you or your loved ones believe you may have COVID-19, the sick household member should:

·Self-isolate alone in a separate room and use a separate bathroom than the rest of the family, if available, to prevent the spread of infection to other family members.

·Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.

·Avoid sharing household items: you should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items.

The Ohio Department of Health has created the following dashboard which will provide you with both local and regional data: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/dashboard

To view the current Ohio Department of Health Orders and Governor DeWine’s executive orders, please visit:

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/public-health-orders/public-health-orders

As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important that we rely on good information. Wyandot County Public Health recommends the following resources:

ODH Information Line (833) 4 ASK ODH

State- https://coronavirus.ohio.gov

Federal- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

About Angie Ward

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