For the first time in nearly a week, the Union County Health Department reported a new, lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 Thursday.
The affected individual is an adult female.
Union County now reports nine total cases – five adult females and four adult males. The cases range from 31-83 years old with a median age of 45 and an average age of 50.7 years old.
None of the individuals have required hospitalization and six have recovered.
According to UCHD, all lab-confirmed cases have been either healthcare workers, individuals with travel history or connected with a known case of COVID-19. However, the health department cautioned that is likely a reflection of targeted testing due to test shortages.
A contact investigation is underway to notify close contacts of the affected individual. They will be assessed for symptoms and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Those who are not notified by public health are not considered a close contact with increased risk.
Although the case count remains relatively low in Union County, the health department is working with the Union County Emergency Operations Center and local healthcare system to develop plans for the possibility of a surge in critically ill patients.
An “Ask a Medical Professional” phone triage line has been developed and can be operational as early as next week, if needed.
A drive-thru sick bay is also “close to being operational,” according to UCHD.
The health department indicated the goal of both strategies is to support the existing healthcare system, should they need assistance in reducing strain on the system.
The phone line and sick bay will be operationalized if a community response is needed to support the current health systems.
Easter
While Easter is near, UCHD is advising against in-person religious services.
The health department encourages churches to livestream their services so congregants can access them online.
However, if churches are unable to livestream services, UCHD provided guidance as to how to host a drive-in service.
Churches should:
– Ensure members remain in their own cars during drive-in services.
– Determine the number of participants/cars based on the location or parking lot size. There should be at least six feet between all cars.
– Broadcast the service via car radio so members can stay in the car with the windows up.
– Limit the number of attendees by promoting drive-in services only to current members.
– Encourage sick members to stay home.
– Do not allow cars to idle during the service. Participants should bring a portable radio if they are concerned about battery life.
Avoiding isolation
UCHD is also encouraging residents to help with connecting older adults to resources.
Those who are able should reach out to their older adult loved ones and ask if they can help in getting supplies or running errands.
Older adults who may need help are encouraged to call 211 or 855-833-3696, which can help direct them to local agencies who can provide support or connect them with a volunteer agency.
Those who know an older adult who would benefit from a regular phone chat to help overcome feelings of isolation or loneliness may call Union County Senior Services at (937) 644-1010.
Seniors can enroll for free in the local MyHelloLine, a program in which the enrolled senior will receive a 15-30 minute phone call from a LifeBio staff member weekly to check-in and share conversation.
The Union County Mental Health and Recovery Board is financially supporting the MyHelloLine through LifeBio.