HOCKING – The Hocking County health department is reporting the first death of their county to COVID-19.
“We are saddened by this news and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual,” stated Health Commissioner Doug Fisher. “This disease has affected our entire community and we are working tirelessly to slow the spread of this virus and minimize its impact. Out of respect for the privacy of the patient and his/her family, we will not be releasing any additional identifying information.”
The Hocking County Health Department’s infectious disease staff are following established guidelines for the investigation of infectious diseases. They have completed contact tracing and have been in touch with anyone who came into contact with the patient.
The Ohio Department of Health and the Hocking County Health Department asks everyone to remember the following recommendations to protect yourself from illness:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Clean high touch surfaces frequently – phones, doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, etc.
• Avoid people that are sick.
• If you have any signs of sickness, call your health care provider, otherwise if you are sick, stay home.
In order to help prevent any further spread of this virus, the Hocking County Health Department is asking everyone to support and follow the directives and recommendations of Governor Mike DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Department of Health Director. Social and physical distancing is essential to limit unnecessary exposures. While challenging, limiting the community’s exposure to this disease will make a lasting impact on reducing deaths associated with the virus.
The Hocking County Health Department is actively involved with our partners throughout the county to meet the needs of our residents as we respond to COVID-19 in Hocking County. With the guidance of the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) we will continue to update Hocking County residents with new information as it becomes available.
Please be reminded, that Ohio’s coronavirus call center is open to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634. More information is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov
