***UPDATED to include April 22nd information released after 2pm, including the Ross County COVID-19 Report (see below the press release).
The Ross County Health District has announced the first death of a patient suffering from the COVID-19 virus. The name of the deceased is not being released.
“We want to offer our deepest sympathy and our prayers to the family of this individual” stated RCHD Administrator Ben Avery.
As of 2pm April 22nd, Ross County had 29 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one probable with one death.
The Ross County Health District reported Wednesday morning a the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county is 21, roughly 10 percent of those tested.
The RCHD reports 201 residents have been tested, 167 have returned negative with 13 suspected (awaiting test results). Among the positives, 13 males and eight females.
Ohio reports 7,791 cases in 87 of 88 counties (0 in Vinton County). The death toll stands at 361 as of 2pm Wednesday. Pickaway County’s number skyrocketed to 172 cases. Mostly due to Pickaway County Correctional Institution’s population.
Governor DeWine announced in his news briefing Wednesday, two more inmates at the facility have died.
At this time, the Ohio Department of Corrections is handling the numbers of COVID-19 cases for their respective institutions.
According to the state dashboard figures (Wednesday afternoon), Chillicothe Correctional Institution has two inmates in isolation, but no positive test results. There are none reported at Ross Correctional Institution. Pickaway CCI is the hardest hit thus far with 74 inmates having tested positive and 94 in isolation.
Litter Media visited with the RCHD in a special report Tuesday (see video).
RCHD encourages the public to continue to stay home with the exception for essential travel, practice physical distancing and washing hands often.
In the featured photo (above), a look at a nearly empty Water Street-Paint Street intersection in downtown Chillicothe, taken Wednesday morning which normally boasts activity on the city’s streets.
CHILLICOTHE, OH – The Ross County Health District reported Sunday, 170 County residents had been tested with 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
122 of those tested returned negative while 31 are awaiting results. Ages range from 23-76 in Ross County.
As of Sunday’s release by the Ohio Department of Health, 194 cases were reported across the 10 county region including Fairfield (81), Fayette (9), Highland (6), Hocking (2), Jackson (2), Pickaway (58), Pike (1), Ross (17), Scioto (4), Vinton (0).
*** Updated following the 2pm release of new number statewide.
Chillicothe, OH Friday, April 10, 2020 – The Ross County Health District reported its 12th confirmed case of COVID-19.
152 Ross County residents have been tested with 88 negative and 52 others pending results.
To date, Hocking and Vinton County are two of the four Ohio counties still without reported confirmed cases.
Governor Mike DeWine said in his daily news conference Thursday, that despite no cases being reported in the four counties, it’s believed cases are in those areas, too.
In a 10 county area of the Scioto Valley, more than 150 cases have been confirmed, led by Fairfield County 73. (see below)
Ross County has two confirmed cases of COVID-19, the first reported Monday and a second Tuesday.
Meanwhile, there have been 2,199 confirmed cases statewide with 55 resulting in deaths.
Ben Avery, Administrator of the Ross County Health District says we’re still in the mitigation phase of the pandemic, but local officials and agencies are working on preparing for the expected surge.
Director of Public Nursing Michelle Long says the RCHD is still looking for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers. Learn how you can help at www.rosscountyhealth.org.
(Pictured is Litter Media’s Dan Ramey with Adena’s Amy Robertson and Dr. Wael Haidar to his right and to his left, Dr. Christopher Brown, Michelle Long and Ben Avery of the Ross County HealthDepartment before the taping of an interview. See bottom of this story).
While America grips with the threat of the Coronavirus, Ross County Health officials say they’re prepared.
Tuesday, Litter Media’s Dan Ramey sat down with representatives of the Ross County Health District and Adena Health System to put rumors to rest and discuss how to handle COVID-19.
Ben Avery, Administrator for the Health District, Health Commissioner and Medical Director Christopher Brown, MD and Director of Nursing, Michelle Long were joined by Adena Health System’s Wael Haidar, MD with Infectious Diseases and Director of Quality Services Amy Roberton talked about how prepared the Health District and Adena are per chance an outbreak of the COVID-19 were to descend on Ohio’s First Capital and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Haidar explains coronavirus has been around for awhile and while there’s currently no vaccine, the push is on for pharamaceutical companies to develop a vaccine.
Avery adds the main thing is to get the word out to wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds and there’s no need to rush out and purcahase surgical masks, which are relatively useless. If you are sick, stay home.
Long suggests ensuring you have enough non-perishable food to last 14 days at one’s home per chance you’re holed up in the house for that period. The group adds the coronavirus can live on surfaces, so wipe down those surfaces which are touched often. Eliminate greetings with a handshake or fist bump, a simple “hello” will do.
