March 6, 2020 – There are currently no confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in West Virginia or surrounding states. However, this is a rapidly evolving national situation and the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is prepared to act in the best interest of the citizens of Ohio County as necessary.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is actively working with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), as well as the Wheeling-Ohio County Office of Emergency Management to prepare for a coordinated response should it become necessary.

Should there be confirmed cases in West Virginia, that number will be added to and updated Monday-Friday on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

According to the CDC, the most effective means to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including flu, are:

  • Washing 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.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoiding exposure to others who are sick.
  • Staying home when you are ill.

Additionally, the CDC has published updated guidance for individuals and families to prepare and take action for COVID-19 at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with State officials and asks people to use trusted sources for information on COVID-19 such as the DHHR website at www.coronavirus.wv.gov or the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

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For more information, please contact Howard Gamble, MPH, Administrator, Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682, or visit www.coronavirus.wv.gov.