Online Update: LawCo Reports Additional Case of COVID-19; Total Now 48, 16 Active

by James McNary, Articles Editor

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing an additional positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the county, bringing the total number of cases in that county to 48 since the outbreak began earlier this year.

In a statement, the LCHD reports that this individual was a close contact of a family member with COVID-19 from another county. This individual has been self-isolating in their home since July 4. Among the locations visited by the individual prior to becoming symptomatic was the Dollar General store in Halltown, on July 1.

The individual did not begin showing symptoms of COVID-19 until July 3. As the virus can be spread up to at least 48 hours before symptoms appear, anyone who visited the following listed locations on these dates should monitor themselves for symptoms until 14 days since the potential exposure has passed.

Locations visited by the affected individual in approximate 48 hours prior to showing symptoms include:

July 1, 2:30-4 p.m., Itty Bitty City, 3640 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. The individual was not wearing a mask during this visit.

July 1, 5-6 p.m., Harbor Freight, 3909 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. The individual was not wearing a mask during this visit.

July 1, 6:30 p.m., Dollar General, Halltown. The individual was not wearing a mask during this visit.

July 2, 1-7 p.m., Lowe's, Republic. The individual wore a mask while working at this location.

July 3, 1-7 p.m., Lowe's, Republic. The individual wore a mask while working at this location.

Lawrence County now has 48 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 31 recovered and 1 individual deceased from the Coronavirus-caused illness. Symptoms of COVID-19 can begin to appear at any point from 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus.

“Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” continued the LCHD statement.

Recommended preventive actions include:

- Wearing a mask in public and/or at work.

- Avoiding large social gatherings where social distancing is difficult to achieve.

- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

- Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

- Washing hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds -- or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

- Cover coughs or sneezes in the crook of the arm, or in a tissue, then wash hands.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

- Stay home if feeling sick.

Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of the more serious complications from COVID-19. Anyone who feels they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and then develops the following symptoms: Fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congested or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and or diarrhea; should contact their health provider for medical advice, before even making any in-person contacts.

The LCHD said CoxHealth is also still offering virtual visits at https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/.com.