May 18, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in a resident of Ringgold County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the individual is an adult age 18 to 40 and is recovering at home. By HIPAA privacy and Iowa Code Chapter 22 laws, no further information can be given at this time.
Ringgold County Public Health has been proactively preparing for the likelihood of a positive test in Ringgold County. While this is the first confirmed base, this is likely not the last case we will see, especially as testing the virus is increasing. “We encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Ringgold County Public Health Administrator, Becky Fletchall. These actions include:
- Practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
- Staying home when ill
- Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops with an effective cleaner
Approximately 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans may not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm that they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house until:
- You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fever) AND
- Other symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath have improved AND
- At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you think that you may need to visit a healthcare provider, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.
For up-to-date information about novel coronavirus, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1.