By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph Health Director Debra Bradley makes a somber announcement which the community has been dreading for some time.
“I’m here today to announce that we have in St. Joseph two confirmed COVID-19 cases in our community,” Bradley tells reporters during a news conference at city hall.
Both are women. One, who is in her 20s and has traveled, reported to the Clinton County testing site. A private lab confirmed she tested positive for the coronavirus. The other, who is in her 30s with no travel history, was tested through Northwest Health Services.
Both are staying at home.
Bradley says prevention remains the key to reducing the spread in St. Joseph.
“Avoiding exposure is the best way to prevent the illness as there is currently no vaccine or medications available to prevent or treat COVID-19,” according to Bradley.
Bradley urges residents to abide by the city’s shelter-in-place order, to maintain social distancing of at least six feet, and to frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Northwest Health Services interim Chief Executive Officer Rodney Hummer says Northwest has been testing patients for weeks.
“We’ve had 37 tests, patients that were actually tested,” Hummer says. “Twenty are pending. Sixteen are negative and we got our first positive today at about 9 o’clock this morning.”
Hummer advises residents to keep their distance from each other, to frequently wash their hands, and to remain optimistic despite the first cases being reported in the St. Joseph area.
“Together, we can get through this,” Hummer says. “The health care community is strong. We communicate on a regular basis and we appreciate the community’s support.”
Hummer says the St. Joseph area health community has been preparing for this day for weeks.
St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray says with the reporting of the first two COVID-19 cases, it is more important than ever to abide by the city’s shelter-in-place order.
“Please stay home,” McMurray implores. “Please don’t go out unless you have to go to the grocery store or something urgent like that and, together, if we all pull together, we’re going to get through this. We’re all in this together so let’s make sure that we cooperate, stay home, and overcome this virus.”
These preventative steps are urged by St. Joseph city officials:
Avoid close contact with others with the recommendation to stay six feet apart.
Stay home if symptoms of the virus arise.
Stay home if you feel sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cough in your sleeve or cover the cough or sneeze with a tissue which can be thrown away.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; an alcohol-based sanitizer can be a substitute.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Comply with the city shelter-in-place order.