Kayla Bebout, Christian County Public Health Director/file photo
A Hopkinsville Community College employee has tested positive as Christian County’s second case of COVID-19.
Christian County Public Health Director Kayla Bebout announced there had been a 24-year old male patient who was a presumptive positive during a Sunday afternoon news conference. The presumptive positive terminology is used because the test was processed by a commercial lab that hasn’t yet been certified for COVID-19—though Governor Beshear included the man in his daily rundown.
Bebout says the man is at home in self-isolation, all but one of his known direct contacts have been notified and a message had been left with the remaining contact.
The test was administered by a local physician Friday and the health department learned of the result Saturday night, according to Bebout.
HCC issued a statement shortly after the announcement reminding that their campus has been closed to in-person instruction since March 13 and their maintenance staff has increased their general cleaning practices.
President Dr. Alissa Young is quoted as saying, “As we go through this challenging time, our students, faculty, staff and I need the community’s support and patience. We are dealing with an unprecedented event and will do our best to keep everyone informed as we work through this fast-changing situation.”
Bebout says the patient has had no known direct contact with the 61-year old female who was announced as Christian County’s first COVID-19 patient Thursday and he has not traveled outside of the country.
She says they will continue investigation into all possible direct contacts with the second patient and if you don’t hear from the health department, you should assume you have not had contact with that person.
Jennie Stuart Health began a drive-thru testing and screening site outside of its express lab location on Eagle Way Bypass late last week and screened just over 100 individuals. Dr. Keith Toms says about 30 of those had samples submitted for coronavirus testing after initial screening.
Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee is not ready to say he’s comfortable with the hospital’s supply of face masks and other supplies for his staff, he’s had HCC, Cayce Mill Supply and Harbor Freight already offer over their supply of protective gear that’s needed.
Lee says MB Roland has begun making hand sanitizer and providing a supply to the hospital.
Listen to entire news conference below:
https://soundcloud.com/user-350001776/christian-county-covid-19-news-conference-03222020