Second Putnam County resident tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)

According to the Putnam County, Ohio Health Department, a second Putnam County resident has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19).  This comes one day after Putnam County’s first laboratory confirmed case.

The Putnam County Health Department (PCHD) is reporting the second lab confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) in a Putnam County resident. The positive test was recorded in a woman in her 60s who lives in Putnam County. As with all cases that are reported, the Putnam County Health Department staff will work to identify close contacts of this resident who may be required to monitor for symptoms. Close contacts are required to monitor for illness and to self-quarantine for 14 days. No additional personal information about the Putnam County case will be
provided in order to protect personal privacy.

“The two cases reported in recent days are not a result of the change in reporting of cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. They are lab-confirmed cases,” said Kim Rieman, Health Commissioner of the Putnam County Health Department.

Probable cases, as defined by the CDC, will also be reported by the Putnam County Health Department when notification of a case is received. There are strict guidelines in which a case can be listed as probable. This includes being symptomatic and have epidemiologic links (close contact with cases, travel to areas with high transmission or member of an identified high risk group).

Mrs. Rieman continues, “With known community spread of COVID-19 in communities across the country, it is very important to continue taking measures to limit the spread of the disease. Washing hands, social distancing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you become ill are all ways to help.”

The Putnam County Health Department will publically announce any future COVID-19 cases via their website and social media pages, which can be found at:

• Website: www.putnamhealth.com
• Facebook: Putnam County Health Department (make sure to follow Ohio’s PCHD)
• Twitter: @PutnamCoHealth

For more information on COVID-19 including ways you can help protect the health of yourself and others, go to www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Information and resources are also available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.coronavirus.gov