Coronavirus being closely monitored in Ohio

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SIDNEY — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reassuring Ohioans it is closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and that Ohio remains at a low risk.

The reassurance came during a recent conference call Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst participated in with members of Gov. Mike DeWine’s cabinet and Ohio mayors for an update on the state of Ohio’s response to the Coronavirus

According to a press release from the city of Sidney, participants were reassured the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is closely monitoring the disease, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Ohio remains at a low risk for this outbreak of respiratory illnesses.

“Sidney residents should stay calm, take preventive and preparation measures, stay aware of what is happening in the community, and seek credible sources of information,” Barhorst said in the release. “A great resource for local information in the Sidney-Shelby County Health Department website (http://www.shelbycountyhealthdept.org). For state-wide information, the Ohio Department of Health has activated a site dedicated to this subject (www.coronavirus.ohio.gov). And for national information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) is another great resource.”

Sidney-Shelby County Health Commissioner Steve Tostrick said in the release, “There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. To help prevent infection with COVID-19, take the precautions you normally would during cold and flu season:

• Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. If unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home while you are sick (except to visit a health care professional) and avoid close contact with others.

• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.”

City Manager Mark Cundiff said in the release, “City staff continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with the Sidney-Shelby County Health Department to keep residents abreast of any impact the illness may have locally.”

Tostrick and Public Health Nurse Erica Lentz is set to update City Council on local efforts during the March 9, 2020, regular City Council meeting.

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