Dubois County Health Officials Offer Local COVID-19 Update, Urge Safe Practices

FROM LOCAL SOURCES

DUBOIS COUNTY -- The Dubois County Health Department released a Thursday morning update on the local impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.

No one has tested positive for coronavirus in Dubois County, although, as of earlier this week, no one had been tested in the county under the strict guidelines for testing set by the CDC.

Local health officials continue to urge residents to take actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Wash hands with soap and warm water and friction for at least 20 seconds. If you are sick stay home and away from other people. Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.  

See the full update from the Dubois County Health Department below....

Over the past several days aggressive measures have been initiated by Governor Holcomb and Indiana State Department of Health to minimize the expansion of the COVID-19 virus. At the forefront is an effort of exposure prevention. Although currently there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Dubois County, it is prudent on our part to implement social distancing to prevent infections of this virus in our local communities. 

As the COVID-19 virus has developed, Dubois County Health Department has been working closely with Indiana State Department of Health and local officials to continue to monitor and share current information. The person-to-person spread of COVID-19 appears to be mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that the virus can spread from touching a surface that has the virus. Signs and symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Existing data suggests older adults and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems are in greater risk. 

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

The Dubois County Health Department suggests all citizens take steps to protect themselves. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Wash hands with soap and warm water and friction for at least 20 seconds. If you are sick stay home and away from other people. Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.  

Dubois County Health Department will continue to closely work with community partners to monitor and review the situation. As these are rapidly changing circumstances, the Indiana State Department of Health and Center for Disease Control are updating guidelines routinely. Your local health department will continue to monitor those updates and share strategies to prevent further outbreaks.