ASHLAND — The Ashland County Health Department (ACHD) is reporting the fifth positive lab result for COVID-19 in an Ashland County resident, according to a press release issued Friday afternoon by ACHD’s public information officer Jill Hartson.
This is the second day in a row the ACHD has announced a new positive COVID-19 case. Since the county’s first case was reported on March 18, this marks the quickest change in local numbers.
Previously days, even up to a week had passed between new cases. The second and third cases in Ashland County were reported on March 27 and April 2 respectively.
Tests are being processed faster and there are a number of persons under investigation (PUIs) being monitored by nurses at the ACHD, according to the press release.
“The number of positive cases reported for Ashland, Ohio is not an accurate reflection of the true figures,” Hartson said. “Go about your day thinking that everyone you come into contact with potentially has COVID-19, because even people with no symptoms can carry the virus and spread it to others. That is why it is vital to follow Ohio’s stay-at-home orders and recommended precautions.”
The latest affected individual had been following the stay-at-home orders and called ahead before seeking medical care to limit exposure, the health department reported.
“I can’t emphasize enough the important role each individual plays in protecting the health of our community and our frontline workers,” Hartson said. “This is another great citizen of Ashland who has helped limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Those recommended precautions include:practicing social distancing; wearing a face mask; washing hands regularly; refraining from touching eyes, nose and mouth; and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Individuals should only leave their house if it is essential, per Ohio department of health director Dr. Amy Acton’s stay-at-home orders which last until at least 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 1.
Just as the fifth confirmed case did, call ahead before seeking medical care to discuss symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Additional information is available at the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) website, www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
ODH also staffs a Call Center 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. The number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
