This undated file photo provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows CDC’s laboratory test kit for the coronavirus. (AP photo)
U.C. Health Department, hospital urge restraint
Union County health officials are asking patients to remain calm and reminding them of testing protocols.
Jennifer Thrush, with the Union County Health Department, said the “largest call volume has centered around testing.”
She said the number of calls to the health department, the hospital and to doctors’ offices is sometimes “overwhelming.”
Thrush said there is a limited number of test kits and those tests will be used for those who need them most.
“We have to save those testing kits for our seriously ill patients and health care workers who have been exposed to a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case,” Thrush said.
She explained, “there is no tests for those who are not sick.”
“So if you are well and just want tested, there is no testing. If you have mild symptoms, similar to a cold, there is no testing,” Thrush said
She said she recognizes that people are worried and want to use the test as a screening device, but there simply aren’t enough tests to do that.
“Testing is being used as a tool by doctors when they have a seriously ill patient to rule out or confirm if they have COVID-19 so that their doctor can make informed medical decisions about how to treat that patient,” Thrush said.
She added, “If you have no symptoms or you have mild symptoms, please don’t call your doctor and ask for testing.”
Union County health Commissioner Dr. Jason Orcena said testing will likely expand in the near future as more labs and hospitals come on board with testing capabilities.
Thrush urged residents to “remain calm.”
Worldwide, 80%-88% of those infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, similar to the flu or a cold.
Thrush said that if a patient has those mild symptoms, they should manage their symptoms at home, much the way they would treat a cold. She recommended using over-the-counter medications.
“Really, you only need to call your doctor if your symptoms worsen and then if symptoms progress even beyond that, see additional medical care,” Thrush said.
She said people with extenuating medical issues are a bit different.
“Persons with underlying medical conditions or the elderly should consult their doctor as soon as symptoms start to progress, unless their doctors have given them other information and instructions as part of their regular standard of care,” Thrush said.
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Schools
Throughout the county, events and activities are being canceled or postponed in light of COVID-19 concerns, including:
– K-12 schools throughout the state.
Under direction of Gov. Mike Dewine, all Ohio schools must close for three weeks.
Marysville, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder and Triad schools have regular school days Friday. Buildings will be closed to students beginning Monday.
North Union Schools will have regular school days Friday and Monday. Buildings will be closed to students beginning Tuesday.
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Union County’s Bicentennial Celebration postponed
The Union County Board of Commissioners and the Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau (UCCVB) have agreed to postpone the Bicentennial Founding Day Celebration scheduled for April 1.
Karen Eylon, with UCCVB, did not say when the event will be rescheduled, but said the bicentennial planning committee will be working with county officials to determine the appropriate date.