Hamilton County has confirmed its second and third cases of the coronavirus, officials said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Becky Barnes, Health Department administrator, said the second case had contact with the first case, Rector Brad Whitaker of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Rev. Whitaker had been to a church conference in Louisville, Ky., where six attendees have been confirmed with the virus.
Ms. Barnes said the third case may be travel-related.
Officials said the second case has fully recovered, but is isolated at home.
The third case has a history of international travel and is also isolated at home.
She said, "We are convinced that our community can do something about this. We can slow this down."
Ms. Barnes said there is an effort to have a drive-through testing center, but that has been hampered by insuring that personnel collecting samples have adequate protective equipment and by a shortage of specimen collection supplies.
Also, County Mayor Jim Coppinger said Wednesday that, with coronavirus cases escalating across the country, he is asking that local restaurants and bars close to sit-down customers.
He said, “What we don’t want are people in the dining areas congregating and coming in close contact with each other. Ensuring the health and safety of our residents is top priority.”
Amy Maxwell of Hamilton County Emergency Preparedness said, "As the numbers of confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continues to rise in the United States, Hamilton County officials are adjusting their operations to support the public health and safety.
"On Monday, President Trump announced new COVID-19 guidelines recommending all Americans avoid groups of 10 or more, whether traveling, eating, drinking at bars and restaurants. With that being said, in an extraordinary step to stop the spread of COVID-19, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger is recommending bars and restaurants close their doors until further notice. This recommendation does not apply to pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores. Restaurants can offer take-out, drive through and delivery services.
"Hamilton County Health officials continue to remind everyone to practice good hygiene – wash your hands frequently, cover your cough with a tissue, keep hands away from your face, nose and mouth and social distancing. These important steps will help to protect each other and to ensure the virus does not spread in Hamilton County."
County Health officials said the finding of the two new cases highlights the importance of social distancing, which means to limit contact within six feet of other persons and avoid group activities of more than 10 people. The Health Department requests all persons, organizations, and businesses heed the President’s “15 DAYS TO SLOW THE SPREAD” Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
The plan outlines the following actions everyone should take:
- Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
- If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
- If your children are sick, keep them home. Contact your medical provider.
- If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
- If you are a person with serious a underlying health condition that can put you at an increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
Do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus
- Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts -- use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Older people are particularly at risk from the coronavirus. Social visits to nursing homes and retirement and long-term care facilities should be halted during the next 15 days.
- Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
The Health Department discourages participating in any activity or commercial service where you cannot maintain a six foot distance from others, such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, massage studios, and any other personal services.
For nonessential medical and dental procedures, call your provider to ask if the appointment is necessary during this 15-day window.
For more information, visit the Health Department’s website or call our COVID-19 Hotline at 423-209-8383.