Wayne County Health Department officials announced Wednesday, April 1, that they have learned two more Wayne County residents have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of residents who have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 to four.
One resident was tested in Ohio.
Wayne County health officials say they are working closely with Ohio State Department of Health and Indiana State Department of Health to provide a complete case investigation.
As part of a case investigation, the Wayne County Health Department was informed an individual from a neighboring county tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. The individual attended an event in Wayne County on March 14. The event was attended by 200 other people.
“Since we have been notified outside of the 14-day quarantine period, there is little case contact we can do,” said Christine Stinson, Wayne County Health Department’s executive director. “It is hard to tell if the individual was shedding the virus on March 14, but does shows the importance of the stay-at-home orders and limiting gatherings.”
“At this point, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should be responsible and stay home,” said Dr. David Jetmore, Wayne County Health Officer. “It is that simple, stay home! Most people will experience mild symptoms of a cough, a fever and/or a headache. They will feel bad for a while and then get better. But if they do not say home, they will spread this virus to someone who will get severe symptoms, their lungs will not be able to function, and they will succumb to the disease. We cannot be more clear, if you are sick, stay home. Everyone else should be staying home too and only leaving for essential visits to your grocery store, pharmacy or physician.”
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.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:
• • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an 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.
You should wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide 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.
The Wayne County Health Department can be reached at (765) 973-9245.