The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

VW Health District has coronavirus update

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert County Health District has provided an update on coronavirus cases in Ohio, as well as preparedness locally. At the time of this release there are three confirmed cases in Ohio in Cuyahoga County and five Persons Under Investigation (PUIs). The Van Wert County General Health District continues to monitor the situation and communicate and collaborate with healthcare providers and community partners locally. It is also working and communicating daily with partners regionally and at the statewide levels. 

The Health District is also working locally with the Van Wert Emergency Management Agency, schools, healthcare providers, nursing homes, and many others to be prepared for a potential community spread. The health department would like to stress to the public and others that now is not the time to panic, but to be prepared. The health department, the Van Wert EMA, and others have plans in place to help prepare for public health outbreaks. 

The health department also reminds the public that a person under quarantine does not mean that that person has COVID‐19, but that the person may have the potential to develop the disease. States are working to quarantine individuals who have traveled to areas with known cases of COVID‐19 to attempt to stop the spread of the illness. 

Community spread of COVID‐19 has been detected in California, Oregon, and Washington. However, the current risk to the general population remains low. Most cases have reported mild illness. Older individual and those with underlying health conditions are at a greater risk of serious illness. 

Symptoms of COVID‐19 appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing. There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease. 

At this time, precautions are universal and the same as those used to prevent the spread of the common cold and the flu. 

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use an alcohol‐based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home while sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Sick people can wear masks to prevent the spread of illness, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend them for people who are not experiencing symptoms. 

Those who feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should do the following: 

  • Seek medical care right away. Before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about recent travel and symptoms.
  • Sick people will likely be requested to complete a questionnaire as recommended by the ODH &
  • CDC.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • a call center to answer questions regarding coronavirus (COVID‐19). The call center will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 833.427.5634. 

For more information, visit the Van Wert County General Health District website at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org, follow the district on Facebook, stop in at 1179 Westwood Drive, Suite 300, in Van Wert, call 419.238.0808, or fax 419.238.9571.

POSTED: 03/10/20 at 7:27 am. FILED UNDER: News