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Martin County confirms first coronavirus case

Health Department is not releasing details on the patient.
Posted at 1:07 PM, Mar 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-23 13:07:25-04

INEZ, Ky. (LEX 18) — Health officials have confirmed the first case of the coronavirus in Martin County.

According to a post from the Martin County Health Department, a local resident was diagnosed today. They say they are working with the CDC and Kentucky's Department of Public Health to contact everyone who may have come in contact with the patient, and that those people will be monitored for symptoms.

The Health Department is not releasing any further details about the patient today due to medical privacy laws. They say they believe the risk to the public is low, but they will provide updates if the situation changes.

Martin County is the fourth new county to detect the coronavirus since Saturday. Hardin County confirmed two cases there, while Oldham County confirmed one patient. Scott County also announced a case Sunday.

Martin County's Health Department shares the following tips on avoiding the Coronavirus:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• If you feel sick or think you have symptoms please contact your Primary Care physician.