(Publisher’s Note: This article was the very first published by LEDE News that concerns Covid-19 that spread into a pandemic. Those who read this archived piece will realize no one was aware of what would take place over the course the months that followed.)
The World Health Organization has deemed the global spread of coronavirus COVID 19 as a global pandemic, and officials in Ohio County do expect positive tests to surface in the Upper Ohio Valley region.
Thus far, more than 4,000 people have died across the world from coronavirus COVID 19, including more than 600 in Italy alone. Major outbreaks have been recorded in China, South Korea, and Iran. In the United States, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 938 cases have been recorded and 29 citizens have passed away,
“This area is as vulnerable as any other in the country, based on what we have seen so far with how it has spread across most of the country to this point,” said Howard Gamble, administrator for the Ohio County Health Department. “Disease is disease, and disease spreads until it gets knocked down.”
Precautionary measures have been adopted in the state of Ohio involving attendance at athletic events on the high school, college, and professional levels.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Tuesday afternoon that all indoor sporting events in Ohio, including high school, collegiate, and professional sports, shall continue without most spectators in attendance as Ohio seeks to contain the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
“This will be a very difficult time for our schools and fans, but we cannot ignore the directive of the Governor,” OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass said. “We are pleased that our tournaments can continue, and we will soon determine who can attend. However, we can already say that it will most likely be no more than the immediate family of the student-athletes participating in the event.”
Bernie Dolan, executive director of the West Virginia Secondary Activities Commission, said this week’s state girls basketball tournament will proceed as normal with fans permitted to attend.
“We have been watching it very carefully, but with the girls basketball tournament starting at a time when no positive tests have occurred in our area yet, that event will go on as usual,” he said. “Now, with the boys basketball tournament next week, we’ll have to wait and see what the situation is.
“We are working with the state Department of Education, with DHHR, and with the Governor’s Office on this issue because ultimately, they would make the final decision concerning spectators, location, and things like that,” Dolan explained. “We’ll do what we have to do to keep the kids safe and to keep as many people as safe as possible.”
Here in Ohio County?
A post appeared on social media that reported positive test had been realized by a local hospital, and the post was proved untrue, but two individuals did undergo tests, and the results, according to Gamble, will be known in two or three days.
“Sending those first two tests to the state’s laboratory was the only option that we had because that’s what was available to us,” Gamble said. “But that will change when private laboratories can conduct the tests, and the ultimate goal is for our medical facilities to be able to do them. But right now, I expect it will take two or three days for the results to be returned to us, and we also have to consider there is a day in there for the shipping of the samples, too.
“Now, if someone is being tested, we’re asking them to self-monitor or self-quarantine,” he continued. “Once those results are returned, whatever action that is necessary will take place.”
Whether one or both of the tests return positive or negative, both Ohio County EMA Director Lou Vargo and Gamble are confident positive results will be realized in the state and in Ohio County.
“In Ohio County, we have a lot of people moving around constantly because of Interstate 70 and 470, the Greyhound buses, and the thousands of people who travel those interstates every day,” Vargo said. “So, that is why I say it’s likely that we’ll have a positive test here.
“But again, if that does happen, we will get as much information as possible out to the local residents so they can assess their own risk,” he added. “It’s our goal to keep as many as safe as possible so getting that information out to the public is very important.”
Gamble is not as sure the interstates could deliver the disease to Ohio County, but he does believe Ohio County will see a positive test just as Vargo does.
“There are a lot of people who come and go here in Ohio County, and that, too, makes this area vulnerable to the spreading of COVID 19, but I don’t know how much of a factor the interstates are at this point,” Gamble said. “With the spreading of any disease, exposure to it is the No. 1 thing to avoid, so it could take place because someone who has been infected is traveling through and stopping somewhere.
“The symptoms of COVID 19 are similar to the common flu, but breathing becomes far more difficult with this disease. That’s what health professionals have been seeing in this country and in the many others,” he added. “If someone is experiencing those symptoms, they need to see a medical professional so questions can be asked, and so the tests can be conducted. As is the case with all disease, the sooner it can be treated, the better the chances are it can be cured.”
Precautions and Preparedness
If and when the first positive test results are returned to a county in the area, Vargo said panic should be avoided in public and on social media platforms.
“That’s the No. 1 message; don’t panic because a positive test does not mean we’re all going to die. At the same time, be aware of the precautions that you should take to keep yourself safe,” Vargo explained. “The measures that we have to take really only take some common sense, like washing your hands and using hand sanitizer.
“And, if you are not feeling well and think you might be coming down with something, don’t go to work or school, or to events,” he said. “We really do need to be proactive about this and not take anything for granted because there hasn’t been a confirmed case in the state of West Virginia, as of today. That could change, and I suspect it will change before this is over.”
Vargo also suggests cleaning more than usual at home and at the workplace.
“There are a lot of products available on the market if that’s the route you want to take, but good old soap and water works, too,” he said. “It’s also important for you to keep in mind where you travel and the people you’re around because of where they may have traveled, and as long as the people in the community follow that advice, they should be OK.
“I know a lot of people are stocking up on certain things, and I have heard that some stores have sold out of things like hand sanitizer and toilet paper, and they are doing that because of what they have seen on the news from areas where people have tested positive for COVID 19,” Vargo continued. “The way this has been progressing, it is pretty likely that there will be positive tests in West Virginia, and it’s also very likely that a positive test will take place here in Ohio County, so if going to the store and stocking up is what is going to make you feel safer, then so be it.”
