Full Notification

NOW 3 ADDITIONAL CASES OF COVID-19 IDENTIFIED IN DELAWARE COUNTY

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The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) reports Monday of 3 additional individuals within Delaware County having tested positive through lab testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection; bringing the total to 40 confirmed cases and 2 confirmed deaths.

The DCHD continues working closely with the local and state officials to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

These most recently confirmed cases include a female over the age of 20, a female over the age of 40, and a female over the age of 70. No additional information about the patients will be released at this time due to privacy laws. Statistics on the number of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 locally is being investigated, however it should be noted that overall numbers seen in state and national reports are typically estimates in an effort to account for cases of individuals who were ill but isolated and recovered at home with no testing or medical interventions being necessary.

“This week may prove to be the most critical yet for us locally, based on modeling and projections of the spread of COVID-19. Give us this one week, stay home, and avoid all outings unless it is a true emergency. Federal authorities have compared the coming week to a nationwide Pearl Harbor event; and I believe it would be wise to heed this warning and protect ourselves and each other by simply staying home” stated DCHD Administrator Jammie Bane.

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

•Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; •Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; •Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and •Rarely, fecal contamination.

Instructions:

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

•Wash your hands often w/ soap & water for at least 20 seconds. If soap & water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. •Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. •Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick. •Stay home when you are sick. •Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. •Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) provides statewide updates as new information becomes available. Visit the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Indiana.

For updated local information: The Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Delaware County GIS Department, have created and are maintaining a central location for local updates. Please visit the Delaware County, Indiana Coronavirus Hub at www.dcema.com.


Jammie Bane, Administrator Delaware County Health Department