COVID-19 Updates
- 3/9/2020
- by Jennie Stuart Health
- Health Care
What is COVID-19?
• COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a new disease thought to spread mainly from person-to-person
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- To learn more, please check out: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
Christian County Health Department and Jennie Stuart Health suggest that all citizens continue to practice simple everyday preventive measures such as:
• Avoid close contact (within about 6 feet) with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (i.e. tables, counter-tops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc.).
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
What to do if you feel ill:
• Worried but well (no fever, cough, or shortness of breath):
o Do not go to the hospital, Emergency Department, or doctor’s office to be evaluated if you are not experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If you are worried-well, going to the hospital or doctor’s office just further overwhelms medical staff and adds to a higher concentration of people.
o Any questions and concerns related to COVID-19 in Kentucky, please call 1-800-722-5725.
• Feeling ill, but otherwise would not have sought out medical care:
o If you have a fever or cough and, if it were not for COVID-19, you would not have otherwise sought care, do not seek care at an Emergency Department or doctor’s office.
o If you want advice, call the state hotline 1-800-722-5725, or you primary care provider.
• If you are sick and feel you have an emergency:
o Call your doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
o Upon arrival, notify staff of symptoms.
o Jennie Stuart Health emergency department staff are prepared to serve patients presenting with symptoms of COVID-19. The facility has an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff to administer care.
"As of March 9, 2020 Christian County Health Department and Jennie Stuart Health continues to stay actively involved in preparation for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) illness within the state and nation. CCHD and JSH will continue to work with community partners to provide up-to-date guidance on the illness as time progresses. To the citizens of Christian County, we are committed to providing information related to our county through our Christian County Facebook page (facebook.com/christiancountyhd). We recommend that residents also utilize the state website for current information related to Kentucky, http://kycovid19.ky.gov Today, the risk for our citizens in Christian County remains low, but we will continue to monitor our situation daily. We encourage residents to take proactive measures in protecting themselves from illnesses." Kayla Bebout, Director of the Christian County Health Department