Coronavirus Update: Press Release March 22, 2020

March 22, 2020

Hancock Health Confirms Hancock County’s First Two Cases of COVID-19

Greenfield, IN (March 22, 2020)- Hancock Health, the Hancock County Health Department, and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today confirmed the county’s first two positive test results for COVID-19. The patients are both Hancock County residents. Both patients are currently at their respective homes self-quarantining.

“Late last night, March 21st, the health department was notified of Hancock County’s first COVID-19 positive resident,” stated Dr. Sandra Aspy, MD, Hancock County Health Officer. “We have confirmed with the patient that they are indeed a Hancock County resident and currently in isolation.”

Since then, Hancock County has had yet another positive test result. Our health department and community partners have developed appropriate practices to track and manage these cases. Already in the last two weeks, we have managed several COVID cases of employees and other close contacts in our county. We will be following these same established guidelines as we move forward with this new case.

“Our caregivers followed the appropriate safety protocols and processes in diagnosing COVID-19 and are continuing to work vigilantly in protecting the health of anyone seeking testing,” said Steve Long, President & CEO, Hancock Health.

We still are waiting on results from at least 20 more tests, so we anticipate additional positive COVID-19 patients may be confirmed in the next days and weeks.

“Hancock Health must continue to come together as a community and do everything we can to flatten the curve and reduce the impact of this deadly virus,” Long said.

Last week, Hancock Health launched its Coronavirus Hotline, encouraging those with questions to call the hotline at 317-325-COVD (2683). Those with symptoms including a fever, cough, or shortness of breath will be directed to Hancock Triage for evaluation. The hotline is staffed by clinical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At this time, Hancock Health strongly encourages everyone to follow the recommendations set forth by the CDC and ISDH. Those recommendations include:

*   Stay home if you are sick.

*   Stay home if you are in the high-risk categories (above 60 years of age or with any underlying health issues).

*   Put distance between yourself and others (at least six feet).

*   Clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

*   If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

*   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

For questions about the Coronavirus, to reach the COVID-19 hotline, or to learn more about the everyday precautions that can keep you safe, please visit http://www.hancockregional.org/coronavirus/.

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About Hancock Regional Hospital

Headquartered in Greenfield, Indiana, Hancock Regional Hospital is an acute care hospital certified by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP). The hospital opened in 1951 and has since provided Hancock County with the services of a full-service community hospital with a focus on primary care, patient comfort and convenience. Hancock Regional Hospital offers private rooms and a highly skilled medical and professional nursing staff. We have a state-of-the-art surgery department, 24-hour emergency services, OB services, bariatric services, progressive and critical care, gero-psych unit, home healthcare and hospice, rehabilitation services, as well as a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. Hancock Regional Hospital has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare Magazine. We have also earned the Pathways to Excellence designation as well Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society for Chest Pain Center (SCPC).