The Union County Health Department is reporting 10 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among county residents, including the first case to require hospitalization.
According to UCHD, five adult females and five adult males have tested positive for COVID-19.
Aside from the hospitalized individual, three individuals are recovering at home and six have recovered.
The age range of cases is 31-83 years old with a median age of 46.5 and an average age of 51.3 years old.
The illness onset ranges from March 1 to April 3.
Nine of the 10 confirmed cases have either been healthcare workers, individuals with travel history or connected with a known case of COVID-19. However, UCHD cautioned that this is likely a reflection of targeted testing among these communities due to limited tests available.
A contact investigation is underway to identify and notify close contacts of the individual. Close contacts typically include: individuals living in the same home, intimate partners, individuals providing home care for an ill person without using recommended precautions and individuals who have had close contact for a prolonged period of time.
They will be assessed for symptoms and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days while monitoring for symptoms.
Those who are not notified by public health are not considered a close contact with increased risk.
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The Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County and other local behavioral health providers are working to provide mental health resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.
MyHelloLine is a service that provides weekly phone chats with seniors to help them combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. It can be reached at (937) 644-1010.
The 24/7 Crisis Line is still operating during the pandemic, as well. Those in need should call (800) 731-5577 or text ‘4HELP’ to 85511.
A virtual support group for coping with COVID-19 is also meeting online every Wednesday, via the videoconferencing app Zoom. To join, those interested may email tglass@pvff.org.
To learn more about mental health resources available in the area, residents may call Union County’s Information and Referral Line at 211 (or 855-833-3696).
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Several local agencies are teaming up to assist those in need during the pandemic.
The United Way of Union County, Union County Neighbor to Neighbor and the Hope Center, along with other service organizations, social service agencies and faith communities, are available to help.
Those struggling with food, housing or other basic needs should call 211 (or 855-833-3693) or visit https://unitedwayofunioncounty.org/covidinfo.php.
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Public health officials, in accordance with guidance from Gov. Mike DeWine, are encouraging Ohioans to wear cloth face coverings if they must go to public places where it is difficult to social distance.
UCHD is reminding residents that wearing a face covering is not mandatory and should not replace social distancing.
A mask helps reduce the spread of respiratory droplets individuals expel when they breathe, talk, cough or sneeze. It serves as a barrier to limit the number of droplets that are unknowingly spread.
A mask does not protect the individual wearing it from others’ respiratory droplets.
A face covering is recommended because there is now more scientific evidence to indicate individuals can spread the new coronavirus before they have any symptoms.