The first case of COVID-19 in Izard County has been announced by Dr. Adam Gray, the county’s health officer. Dr. Gray says Izard County officials were notified Monday morning of the positive test. He adds the report was not unexpected and is not a cause for alarm.
County officials have been planning for this eventuality for some time, according to Dr. Gray, probably longer than most counties in Arkansas. He says appropriate measures have been taken to ensure self-isolation and prevention of transmission.
Dr. Gray reminds citizens to take the following precautions:
– All persons should minimize any unnecessary travel or exposure to other persons.
– Frequent handwashing with soap and hot water, to the elbows, before and after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or other people. Sanitizing hand gel or isopropyl alcohol (70% minimum) is a substitute when handwashing is not available, but is not preferred.
– The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending wearing a mask in public places.
– Persons exhibiting fever, cough, chest tightness, muscle aches, headache, malaise, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea should call their health care provider for screening and further instructions.
– Additionally, telemedicine evaluation can be done through Baxter Regional Medical Center and White River Medical Center, who both have patient portals on their websites.
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