WHEELING-OHIO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, May 4, 2020

 

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department currently reports new COVID-19 cases, current COVID-19 positive case totals and associate deaths from COVID-19.  The department does not report “recovered” cases.

If an individual test for COVID-19 and is found to be positive it is reported the county health department.  The department then begins case surveillance, contact tracing and monitoring.  Once monitoring has ended the individual is no longer followed by the health department.  No additional testing is required (employers may require a negative test result in order for an employee to return to work), and the individual is not evaluated by a physician (similar to a return to work evaluation).

At this time the health department reported two new cases on Sunday, May 3, 2020, 33 total positive cases, and has reported one death.  We are currently (5/4/20) monitoring 11 cases, some going back to the end of March 2020.  The health department will continue to only report current cases, total cases and deaths.

The health department will monitor this current practice as testing evolves (from positive/negative to serologic testing) and changes in case definitions, case monitoring and universal reporting practices change.

Case surveillance, contact tracing and monitoring can be difficult, especially if the case is in a residence with other family members.  When additional family members become positive or sick the initial contact may become part of an extended contact tracing, isolation or quarantine.

Ohio County and Ohio Valley residents are advised to limit public contact, implement social distancing, work at home where possible, wash your hands frequently and contact your personal physician if you become ill with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is reminding Ohio Valley residents that if you are tested for COVID-19 that you are to remain in home isolation until you receive negative test results.  Individuals who test positive will be contact by a county health department and receive further instructions in regards to care and monitoring.

You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19 prior to arriving at the facility. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

The off-site Wheeling Hospital COVID-19 testing clinic continues operations.  Ohio Valley residents who are interest in being tested at this location should call the one-call number at (304) 221-3995. Testing is also available at Doctor’s Urgent Care, call (304) 232-0725 for more information.  MedExpress in Elm Grove is also testing for COVID-19, for more information call (304) 242-4228.