Christian County has its first case of COVID-19.
Public Health Director Kayla Bebout says the 61-year old female patient is experiencing mild symptoms while in self-isolation and she is in good spirits. The positive test result was processed by a commercial lab, the result was confirmed Thursday morning and a physician administered the test on the patient.
Bebout says the Christian County Health Department is contacting anyone who is known to have been in direct contact with the woman.
Those who have had direct contact will be told to self-quarantine and self-monitor. If a person does not hear from the health department, Bebout says they should assume they have not had direct contact.
Christian County Emergency Management Director Randy Graham says Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch and Judge-Executive Steve Tribble have declared a state of emergency to free up potential resources.
Jennie Stuart Health CEO Eric Lee says the hospital has been preparing for the epidemic and they are ready to respond.
Mayor Lynch says the police department has established alternate facilities in case they become necessary.
City employees are working from home when possible and city offices remain closed to in-person traffic. Judge-Executive Steve Tribble noted he’s never seen anything like the current situation during his lifetime and that county offices are also finding ways to provide services over the phone, online and through the mail.
He urged everyone to not panic and says the community will get through this pandemic together.
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