Area counties clear for COVID-19

Subhead

Health officials say no positive tests as of yet

Image
  • An area map denotes positive COVID-19 tests in Oklahoma. So far, Marshall County and surrounding counties have no positive cases. Courtesy photo
    An area map denotes positive COVID-19 tests in Oklahoma. So far, Marshall County and surrounding counties have no positive cases. Courtesy photo
Body

As of midday March 17, there are no positive tests for COVID-19 in Marshall or Carter counties, said Mendy Spohn, regional director for the Oklahoma Health Dept.

Spohn’s region includes nine Oklahoma counties: Marshall, Love, Carter, Ponotoc, Garvin, Johnston, Murray, Jeffereson and Stephens.

However, she cautioned that there will eventually be a positive test within her region due to the rapid spread of the virus.

At present, there are 17 confirmed cases statewide which are spread across Canadian, Cleveland, Jackson, Kay, Oklahoma, Payne, Pawnee and Tulsa counties.

Worldwide there are 204,029 confirmed cases and 8,241 deaths as of March 18, according the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Its data can be viewed at https:// coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

Spohn confirmed there is a shortage of COVID-19 tests.

“There is a shortage on testing material,” she said.

“Primarily it’s the national supply chain.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: fever, cough and shortness of breath.

The CDC’s COVID-19 info page can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

Spohn advised people with symptoms take fever reduction medication and cough suppressants.

“We don’t want to overload our medical community,” she said. “If they do develop severe symptoms absolutely need to seek medical attention.” Spohn also recommend peo

Spohn also recommend people call the state’s COVID-19 hotline 877-215-8336.

“It’s an easy way to talk to trained professionals,” she said.

Spohn said she is in regular contact with community leaders across her area including Marshall County.

“We’ve created a communication distribution list that we can share things as we know.”

Spohn recommended people view the CDC presentation on the Coronavirus, which can be found at https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ index.html.

“Almost 80% and above [of people] will have minimal risk,” she said. “Think about who in your family is at risk. It’s safe to say, people are really worried. But the social distancing stuff works.”