Friday, April 3rd, 2020
Sixth person in Mercer County has virus
By Leslie Gartrell
CELINA - A sixth person in Mercer County has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The woman, between 20-30 years old, is in self-isolation at home, according to a news release Thursday from the Mercer County Health District.
Also on Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine extended the stay-at-home order until 11:59 p.m. May 1. The order goes into effect at midnight on Monday, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Officials received results on Thursday morning from Quest, a private testing lab, said Kristy Fryman, health district public information officer. The new positive patient has no connection to previous cases, she said.
The health district also reported 18 pending cases, 31 negative cases and one hospitalization. No deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported in the county.
The district has reported a man in his 70s who was hospitalized as the first positive patient in the county. The second positive patient has been reported to be a non-hospitalized woman in her 60s.
The district also has reported a woman from 30 to 40 years old and a woman from 20 to 30 years old have tested positive.
On Wednesday the district announced the fifth person to test positive for the virus is a man 40 to 50 years old.
The Auglaize County Health Department has reported three positive patients: a hospitalized 65-year-old female, a 49-year-old non-hospitalized female and a 30-year-old female who was not hospitalized. No new cases were reported on Thursday.
Upon notification of a positive COVID-19 case, health officials begin a thorough investigation to contact the person who tested positive and obtain a list of that person's close contacts. Those people are then advised to self-quarantine and monitor symptoms.
According to ODH, modeling suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic will peak around April 25 at more than 9,000 new cases per day in Ohio.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.
People can protect themselves against COVID-19 by washing their hands often, covering their mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. They should also avoid close contact and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
The CDC says people should seek medical attention if they experience emergency warning signs, including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion and bluish lips or face. The list is not inclusive, and people should consult their medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
ODH has reported 2,902 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 802 hospitalizations and 81 deaths.
