Lancaster, KY (April 20, 2020) - The Garrard County Health Department announced a second case of COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus) in Garrard County on Monday afternoon.

While the risk to the general public is low, health officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) to identify and contact all those who may have come in contact with the person. These individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.

The patient is currently quarantined and recovering at home.

“I wanted to provide a more fully developed update tonight, as I believe it’s important for the public to have as much accurate and timely information as possible throughout this event,” Garrard County Judge-Executive John Wilson said on Monday evening. “We received word this afternoon of our second positive COVID-19 case in Garrard County. This patient tested positive some time ago but was initially assigned to an adjoining county and managed by that county’s health department due to the zip code on the individual’s home address. The patient has been quarantined at home for 14 days pursuant to the CDC requirements and has since recovered well at home and actually comes off the required quarantine tomorrow. The fact that the case is now assigned to Garrard is mostly administrative since this patient is now recovered. Based on the information we have from the contact tracing done, the risk to the community is extremely low.”

Additional details about the person cannot be provided because of medical privacy laws.

Wilson added that Garrard’s other confirmed case continues to recover.

The Health department reminds citizens to comply with Governor Andy Beshear's social distancing guidelines and watch his regular press conferences on his Facebook page and television for updates on COVID-19.

The health department offers these tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

• By respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, dry cough or shortness of breath. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms should first contact their local health department or health care providing. A state hotline 1-800-722-5725 is available to help Kentuckians who have questions or need help.