Starke County Health Department officials are working with local organizations and doctor’s offices to communicate up-to-date COVID-19 information from the Indiana State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says the Health Department does not have test kits available. Testing is conducted through the CDC, Indiana State Lab or through commercials labs like LABCORP.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
In 80 percent of patients, COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to the virus.
Lynch encourages residents to use good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or more. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in the event hand washing cannot be immediately conducted. Keep hands away from your face and cough into your elbow. Clean and disinfect high touch areas.
Keep away from people who are ill. If anyone is experiencing respiratory symptoms, stay home. Avoid contact with anyone who has been positively diagnosed with COVID-19. If you believe you have symptoms and have been in contact with someone who is confirmed having COVID-19, contact the Indiana State Department of Health at 317-233-7125.
