NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

2020 CONTACT INFORMATION Jay County Health Department | 260-726-8080

JAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS 1st CASE OF COVID-19

The Jay County Health Department, in consultation with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the local medical community, has confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a county resident. The patient is presently self-isolating at home. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

The Jay County Health Department is working closely with the ISDH and the local medical community to identify any close contacts of the patient who might have been exposed to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Like influenza, human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your

hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

If you feel you need to seek medical attention, contact your health care provider before your visit and follow their recommendations.

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide updates as new information becomes available. Visit the ISDH website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Indiana. The CDC website can be reached at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/