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DMC has first confirmed case of coronavirus

ELKINS — The first positive case of COVID-19 tested at Davis Medical Center has been confirmed, officials said, as the individual above the age of 60 has become the second confirmed case in Randolph County.

Dr. Catherine “Mindy” Chua, chief medical officer for Davis Health System, confirmed to staff that the hospital has seen its first confirmed case, a Wednesday afternoon DHS press release stated. The patient is now in isolation at home.

“The case was handled well by staff and the proper isolation was communicated to the patient,” Chua said. “I am proud with how well we have all adapted to our daily changes.

“We followed the appropriate CDC protocols to prevent exposure to other patients and caregivers,” she said. “We cannot provide any specific information about the patient.”

The Randolph-Elkins Health Department reported Wednesday that, unlike the first confirmed case in Randolph, which was announced Monday, the second case is “not associated with travel outside West Virginia or known contact with a positive case,” a press release stated Wednesday. “The source of the infection is unknown and suggests community spread.”

“The circumstance of this case suggests that there are unidentified cases of infection in our area and that the number of new cases will increase over the next few weeks,” Bonnie Woodrum, Infectious Disease Specialist at the health department, stated in the release. “It is, therefore, more important than ever that everyone practice social distancing, stay at home as much as possible, especially if sick, wash hands frequently, and don’t touch eyes or mouth.”

The individual confirmed as Randolph County’s first case of coronavirus “was traveling out of the country, returned to the U.S. on a plane and then drove back here and has been self-quarantined ever since,” Woodrum said Monday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Davis Medical Center had received one positive result from coronavirus testing and 18 negative results, and were awaiting 38 pending results.

“Most deaths caused by COVID-19 have been in the elderly but no one is immune,” the health department press release states. “The first case in Randolph County was a person under 30; the second patient was more than 60. Some infections produce no symptoms but can still be spread to others. Be responsible.

“Trips for essentials should be made by individuals, not as family outings,” the release states.

“Rumors and inaccurate information may cause unfounded reactions or panic. Please consult reliable sources for latest known facts about COVID-19.”

Reliable sources include the WV DHHR Coronavirus Hotline at 1-800-887-4304; the WV DHHR Coronavirus webpage at coronavirus.wv.gov; and the CDC coronavirus webpage at www.coronavirus.gov.

Look for updates on COVID-19 statistics in future editions of The Inter-Mountain.

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