"Community spread" being experienced in Garfield County

POMEROY–Martha Lanman, Administrator of the Garfield County Public Health District, Jayd Keener, co-CEO of the Garfield County Hospital District, and Rachel Gwinn, Superintendent of Pomeroy School District. discussed issues evolving around the recent uptick in COVID-19 positive cases with about 30 Garfield County residents at a ZOOM Community Town Hall meeting held November 4. They addressed COVID occurrence, testing and how to avoid the spread.

Lanman said the current COVID-19 statistics to date was 317 tested, with 264 testing negative and 42 positives. Out of the 42 positives, 28 were considered recovered, 13 still active, and one death was reported. Eleven cases were still pending. She identified 23 of the active cases had been reported within the past week, and through contact tracing, it was discovered that five different sources had been identified, with many coming from outside the county. This fact is evidence that Garfield County is now experiencing community spread. Over 40 direct contacts are currently being quarantined at home.

She described how the contact tracing process occurs, saying if someone gets sick on a Friday, and is then tested on the next Monday, with a positive result received on Tuesday, the Public Health contact tracer will ask who they were in contact with since the previous Wednesday, two days before the symptoms began on Friday.

Studies show that COVID-19 patients are contagious for two days before symptoms arise. She added that sometimes it is difficult for people to remember every contact they have had, or exactly when symptoms began occurring. But, exposure, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Health (DOC) guidelines, can occur if you are in contact with a positive person within six feet for a total of 15 minutes within a 24-hour period.

No school age children have tested positive to date, and according to Lanman, those who have been contacted locally were very cooperative and responsive. All active cases are contacted two times per day, and when the public health determines patients are no longer health threat to the community, they are cleared from quarantine. However, she is concerned for the community right now, and worries Garfield County may have exceeded the threshold to qualify for Phase 3 status.

Lanman reiterated the standard recommendations to prevent spread or exposure of COVID-19 saying to stay home if you don't feel well, even if it is just the sniffles or a stomach ache. There is a wide range of symptoms, not always experienced by everyone, and only half of the positive cases have presented with a fever; stay within your household and keep your social groups small; be careful when shopping or meeting others on the street, and keep face-to-face contacts to a minimum; wear masks properly, because it does lessen the risk of exposure.

Keener reported the hospital has the capability of using rapid tests, but they are limiting their use for symptomatic people who have presented symptoms within the last seven days. The hospital has purchased their own machine for use with the rapid testing. But, the turnaround time for regular testing results is now about 24 hours. She stated they recommend testing requests are done Monday–Friday, from 9–11 a.m., and 1:30–4 p.m. to keep the work flow steady. If a test is needed after hours or on a weekend, it must be done through the Emergency Department. To get tested at any time, a person should go to the Emergency Department door and ring the bell for attention.

Gwinn stated the first priority of the school district is the safety of the students and staff, and they have been diligent in following all protocols for sanitation and safety. She believes the safest place for students is at school because of this diligence. If students had to remain at home, she fears they may have to be left alone, or with friends or grandparents, where the safety protocols may not be the same. In addition, students are sure to be fed and monitored for mental health issues while at school. She assured the public that a shutdown would only occur if there was not enough staff available to be in the classrooms with students. She was also grateful parents, staff and students have been very good about staying home when they are not feeling well, to protect everyone else at school.

Lanman addressed the isolation period for someone who tested positive begins when symptoms begin, and ends when they are fever-free for 24 hours, symptoms improve, and at least 10 days have passed since the beginning of their symptoms. If they are not feeling better, the isolation continues until they do feel better for 24 hours.

Those potentially exposed are quarantined for 14 days from the time of exposure. If a positive person resides in the same house as others, they must stay in a separate room, use a separate bathroom, and take their meals separately during the isolation period. If that is not possible, there is housing available in Garfield County for this use, and where the patient will be provided with their needs. She reminded everyone that the test is "only a moment in time," and symptoms may not appear for as many as 12 days from exposure.

Mat Slaybaugh said all insurance will cover the cost of COVID-19 testing, and if you have no insurance, the State will pay the cost. Lanman also added that the Garfield County Transportation Authority is making delivery available for groceries and medication to those who need it.