STAFF REPORT

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The first Boyle County resident tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday. This person is an Ephraim McDowell Health Associate and is currently hospitalized. 

On Sunday morning, EMH said a second person has a confirmed case of Covid-19 and is quarantined at home while recovering.

Ephraim McDowell Health infection disease team, in conjunction with the Boyle County Health Department’s epidemiology team, have begun tracking individuals who have had close contact with this new case and are at risk of infection. Those individuals will be instructed on proper quarantine measures and monitored to safeguard their own and the public’s health, according to a news release from Ephraim McDowell Health. 

This notice is intended to create more caution within our community instead of additional anxiety because reports indicate 80 percent of people infected will develop only mild symptoms, said BCHD Director Brent Blevins.

Saturday afternoon, Blevins said his staff were sending out letters to those who have come in contact with the associate who has been diagnosed with Covid-19. “We expected this to happen,” he said. “We’re in the investigative process which is designed to ensure the best protection for the public and to slow the spread of Covid-19.”

Individuals not contacted by BCHD are considered as having no more risk than the general public at this time, Belvins added. 

The hospital has also been informed that the first person in Washington County has tested positive for Covid-19. There is no other information on this person at this time.

Ephraim McDowell Health has taken specific steps for the protection of its patients and associates. 

No visitors are allowed at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital or Ephraim McDowell James B. Haggin Hospital. There are some exceptions such as births, passing patients, patient sitters and those who are power of attorney or health care surrogates for a patient. 

What if you have COVID-19 symptoms?

Call (859) 936-8350 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or if you have a fever, sore throat or breathing difficulties. A nurse answering the call will assess your symptoms and advise you of the steps you should follow.

That may include a visit to your primary care provider, a visit to your local Emergency Room or a visit to one of Ephraim McDowell’s three testing facilities. The three testing facilities are the Hope Clinic (105 Daniel Drive, Danville), Ephraim McDowell Haggin Primary Care (470 Linden Avenue, Suite 5, Harrodsburg) and Immediate & Primary Care at Fort Logan Hospital (110 Metker Trail, Stanford). Do not go to one of these testing facilities unless you are directed to by the Ephraim McDowell Call Center or an Ephraim McDowell health care provider.

 For those with further questions about this illness, please call the Covid-19 Hotline at 1-800-722-5725, visit the Kentucky Covid-19 website at kycovid19.ky.gov or visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 Other instructions suggested by the BCHS include:

• Stay home — If you are worried, but well, please stay home. Going to a hospital or doctor’s office for information could overwhelm medical staff.
• Call for advice — If you are ill, but wouldn’t have sought care if not for worry about COVID-19, do not seek care at an ER, hospital or doctor’s office. If you want advice on whether your symptoms require a visit to a healthcare provider, call your local healthcare provider or the Kentucky state hotline.
• Seek care — If you are sick and feel you have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or seek medical care. Be sure to inform medical staff of your symptoms in advance.

Please see the KYCOVID-19 website and boylecountyhealthdept.com for updated details. 

Specific populations including adults over 60 and people with serious health conditions (i.e., diabetes, lung and heart disease) are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. Individuals of these populations plus their loved ones or caretakers, must make special efforts to adhere to the preventive measures outlined below. 

• Wash your hands often with soap/water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.