The Union County Health Department announced today it has received notice of a second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the county.
UCHD indicated the affected individual is an adult male.
“We want to make sure our community understands that these confirmed cases are only a small snapshot of what is likely happening in our community,” said Union County Health Commissioner Jason Orcena.
He said the number of confirmed cases is not determining the precautions being taken in the area.
“With limited testing and the knowledge that community spread is occurring in Ohio, we are not relying on confirmed cases to serve as a benchmark for how widespread the illness may be and neither should our residents.”
A contact investigation is underway to identify and notify close contacts of the affected individual. His close contacts will be notified by public health and instructed to self-quarantine (or separate themselves from others and not go to any public places) for 14 days while monitoring for symptoms.
UCHD does not release additional information regarding the ill individual in compliance with HIPPA and Protected Health Information laws.
Public health agencies will not release a listing of locations visited by the individual unless the contact investigation warrants such an announcement in order to protect the health of the public.
A UCHD statement indicated Orcena, along with Dr. Amy Acton, have been reporting that community spread is occurring throughout the state of Ohio.
However, Orcena said there are steps individuals can take to help.
“But residents also need to know that we each can make a difference in slowing this virus down,” Orcena said.
UCHD urges residents to stay home when sick, regardless of whether they have tested positive for COVID-19.
Those who are caring for or live with someone who is sick should self-quarantine if possible. If unable to self-quarantine, those individuals should practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet from each other and avoid being around other people.
“Staying home when we are sick or when we are caring for someone who is sick is a powerful tool,” Orcena said. “Social distancing, washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, covering coughs and sneezes with your sleeves, regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces are all tools we can each use every day to slow this spread.”