BUCKHANNON – Only one case of coronavirus remains active in Upshur County, the local health department said in a press release Thursday afternoon.
In total, Upshur County has recorded 36 confirmed and three probable cases of COVID-19 – the disease caused by the virus and an abbreviation for Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department Nurse Director Sue McKisic said the single remaining case will complete her or his remaining quarantine time soon.
“One case is currently active and will soon be coming off quarantine,” the Aug. 6 health department release states. “We have had no (0) deaths, 38 have recovered, including the two probables that are showing up on the DHHR website.”
McKisic told My Buckhannon Thursday that both individuals who were being treated in hospital intensive care units for COVID-19 have recovered and been released.
In Thursday’s statement, the health department thanked residents for adhering to guidelines delineated by Governor Jim Justice and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but noted the situation surrounding the pandemic may change quickly and can ebb and flow.
“We would like to thank the residents of Upshur County for the wonderful job that is being done to follow the guidelines and help keep our families and friends safe,” the release says.
The UBHD is urging residents to continue following CDC guidelines, as well as guidance from local health officials and the governor. Its advising residents to continue to stay home when possible; maintain a physical distance of 6 feet; wash their hands frequently; wear masks or other face coverings or face shields; cover coughs and sneezes; and avoid “hotspot” vacation destinations.
“UBHD wants to make it clear that anyone who is waiting for COVID-19 results should remain self-quarantined to protect their family members and working partners,” the release says. “There is currently no treatment for COVID-19, and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.”
Active cases across the Mountain State have spiked in recent weeks, with 108 new cases announced Wednesday and 118 new cases announced Thursday. On Aug. 3, the state hit its highest number of active cases since the pandemic began, recording 1,938 active cases.
In a recent statement emailed to My Buckhannon, medical director of the UBHD Dr. Joseph Reed urged residents to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 if and when a vaccine becomes available.
“Only about 25 percent of Upshur County residents get flu shots annually,” Reed wrote. “Our kids don’t have a good record of getting their childhood immunizations until required to go to school. HPV vaccine, a cancer preventer, is poorly used.”
“How many of us will get a vaccine for Covid-19 if and when it becomes available?” Reed asked. “We each have the power to help make sure schools can open, businesses and employment open, and to decrease the likelihood of being sick. Which ones of us will be part of the solution by getting vaccines due and recommended, wearing masks, and distancing?”
