Scott County Health Department Confirms Three New Positive Cases of Coronavirus

The health department also stated that if you have been in the same location as a positive coronavirus patient you should monitor yourself for symptoms.

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(Scott County, Ind.) - After confirming the second positive case of coronavirus yesterday, Scott County Health Department announced three more positive cases of coronavirus in county residents late last night.

The Scott County Health Department in consultation with the CDC and the Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed the third case of the novel coronavirus.

One confirmed case came from a resident who had been tested on March 30 and was then notified of the positive test April 1. This patient does not work and in the past 14 days has only left home to seek medical care. This patient is in the highest risk category for age.

The close contacts to this patient have been identified by the Scott County Health Department.

The third confirmed case, the patient reported only leaving their residence once to seek medical care once their symptoms began. The patient is currently in quarantine at their residence.

The fourth confirmed case is a healthcare worker who works in a location outside of Scott County and was exposed at their place of employment. They did visit the Dollar Store in the Vienna area on Saturday, March 28. The patient is currently in quarantine at their residence.

Scott County Health Department’s Public Health Nurses are working around the clock to identify and speak to all close contacts of these patients who might have been exposed and ensure that appropriate precautions are being taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.

“The rapid increase in today’s positive cases should indicate how serious and quickly involving Novel Coronavirus can change. Scott County should continue to follow the Governor’s Executive Order and stay-at-home except for essential purposes,” said the Scott County Health Department.

The health department also stated that if you have been in the same location as a positive coronavirus patient you should monitor yourself for symptoms.

“The only way to slow the spread of this virus is to limit contacts and exposures. This is why it is important to stay at home, even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms,” said local health officer, Dr. R. Kevin Rogers.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Like influenza,

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 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.

For additional information about the novel coronavirus, visit https://coronavirus.in.gov/.