As confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus continue to rise across the State of Ohio, including Ashland County, WRDL would like to pass along the following information from the Ashland County Health Department:

If you are a health professional evaluating a patient for suspected COVID-19 infection, please contact the Ashland County Health Department immediately at 419-282-4231.

Do you have questions about COVID-19? Call the ODH Call Center at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). The ODH Call Center is staffed by nurses and infectious disease specialists 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

COVID-19 refers to the novel (or new) coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019. While the information shared below provides general guidelines, much more COVID-19 information is available at www.cdc.gov. 

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Before going to you doctor, urgent care or hospital, call ahead and let them know of your symptoms and travel history or potential exposure to COVID-19.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other communicable diseases by following these recommendations:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 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.
• Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue that you immediately discard.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces at home and in your office using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The CDC does NOT recommend that healthy individuals wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory disease, including COVID-19…

• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).  

Recommended Preparations…

In order to prevent the spread of infection, individuals who have COVID-19 or who have had known exposure to COVID-19 are being asked to stay home for two weeks. If you find yourself in that situation, consider what you will want to have on-hand:

• Thermometer
• Prescription medication
• Over-the-counter medicine, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toilet paper
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Vitamins
• Soap and other toiletries
• Household cleaning supplies, including products that kill germs
• Laundry detergent
• Tissues, paper towels
• Food and beverages
• Pet supplies
• Any other essential items you would need for 14 days

The CDC has issued Travel Alerts for several countries with sustained community spread of COVID-19. Please visit www.cdc.gov for the most up-to-date information, as the situation has been changing daily.

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