In the wake of the first positive cases of COVID-19 in Hardin County, Hardin Memorial Health have announced that they have established a temporary respiratory health clinic for potential COVID-19 patients. Located at 1004 Woodland Drive, the clinic saw its first patient on Friday, March 20. The clinic has been specially outfitted as a drive thru for referred patients experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. While isolated in their vehicle, the patient will be registered, triaged, tested, and seen by a physician or advanced practice clinician. The clinic will only be available to those referred by an area physician or via the HMH Patient Symptom Hotline. Doctor Thomas Hustead, Medical Director for HMH Medical Group, said of the clinic, “We want to provide the best care possible without overwhelming hospital functions. I cannot say thank you enough to the physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and staff who are working to care for clinic patients during these unprecedented times.”
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Since Friday afternoon, there have been 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hardin County, with one being an adult aged 21, and the first being a child. Since the announcement, local leaders have stressed to the public that taking steps, such as social distancing, can help limit the spread of the illness, and urge to continue safe habits to help keep the curve low in the Commonwealth. The juvenile who contracted the virus is a student in the Hardin County School system.
In his evening press conference on Sunday, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are currently 103 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Governor Beshear commended the hospitals of Kentucky for their efforts, lauding the only 6% ICU rate seen with COVID-19 in the state. The Governor added that over 2000 tests have been administered across the state. In terms of new steps being taken to combat COVID-19, Governor Beshear declared that all non-essential retail businesses be closed by tonight at 8 PM. This includes florists, bookstores, fashion, clothing, and shoe stores, entertainment and electronics stores, etc. This does not include grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, or drug stores
