Rowan County has second confirmed positive case of COVID-19

MOREHEAD, Ky. — A second Rowan County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is following all the necessary protocols and guidelines at home during this time. We will not provide additional details publicly regarding the identity of this person out of respect for them and the abidance of medical privacy law.  

The Kentucky Department of Public Health has begun their investigation to determine whom the individual has come into contact with, where they have been, where they work, etc. Individuals whom the KDPH believe came in close contact with the individual during the disease’s incubation period will be notified and contacted by healthcare authorities. Their symptoms, or lack thereof, will be monitored and they will be asked to self-quarantine for fourteen days. 

We have been in daily communication with healthcare officials and other local leaders to ensure that we are prepared. In order to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system, we all must work together to slow the spread of infection. We want to stress at this time the importance of all of us adhering to the Governor’s orders as well as continuing to practice the precautions that have been shared by the Centers for Disease Control. 

• Call the Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-722-5725 if you are nervous or may be experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath). 
• Practice social distancing. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.  
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  
• If you are ill, you but wouldn’t have gone to seek care otherwise (like a normal flu or cold), do not immediately seek in-person care at an ER, hospital, or doctor’s office. Call your family doctor or local healthcare provider to see if the symptoms warrant a visit. 
• If you are sick and may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or seek care immediately. Call ahead to your clinic or hospital and inform them of your symptoms in advance so that they may be adequately prepared.  

For more information about COVID-19 in our community, visit morehead-ky.gov/covid19.