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Athens Co. Confirms First Positive Case of COVID-19
By: Aaron Payne
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The first positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Athens County.
The Athens City-County Health Department said the person is currently in isolation at home in an announcement Thursday, March 26.
The department is conducting case investigations with the patient’s close contacts.
Health officials urged the importance of slowing the movement of the virus, recommending the continued practice of social distancing, frequent hand washing, keeping surfaces clean and staying home if you are ill.
Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms is urged to call their physician’s office, urgent care, or emergency department before arriving for care to let them know that they believe they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 virus.
The DOH makes the following recommendations to protect yourself from illness:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- 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 you are sick.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Ohio’s coronavirus call center is open to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634. More information is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov.