COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a Class B reportable disease in Ohio. Confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 should be reported to the local health district in which the person resides by the end of the next business day.

What is it?
COVID-19 is a virus that can cause respiratory symptoms and can easily be spread. Most people who contact the virus have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill.

How does it spread?
COVID-19 primarily spreads person-to-person by respiratory droplets. The virus can be spread even when someone is not having symptoms.

How long until symptoms appear?
1-14 days after exposure, usually 4-5 days. Not all infected individuals will develop symptoms.

What are possible symptoms?
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea of vomiting

What are emergency warning signs for COVID-19?
• Trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
If you or a child experience any of these symptoms, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

I tested positive for COVID-19. How long do I need to stay home for?

The following guidance does not apply to individuals that work in healthcare settings.

An individual should stay at home and away from others until symptoms are improving and the individual has been fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medicines) for at least 24 hours.
An individual can resume normal activities when this criterion is met, however when you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.

Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were. If you develop a fever or start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

I was exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
Following exposure to COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses, individuals are advised to be mindful of respiratory illness prevention steps, including testing availability, masking when able and appropriate, increasing physical distancing, respiratory hygiene, and opportunities for cleaner air. Appropriate testing after exposure may help individuals in choosing best transmission prevention or treatment options.

Please visit the CDC’s website for more information:
Respiratory Virus Guidance | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC

How do we limit its spread?

• Stay up to date with immunizations.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.

When should I make a report to the health department?

COVID-19 is a Class B reportable disease.

Confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 should be reported by the end of the next business day to the local health district in which the person resides (or the local health district wherein the person is being medically evaluated if the person's residence is unknown or not in Ohio).

Reports shall be by:

• The physician or other healthcare provider in attendance of a known or suspected case;
• A person in charge of a hospital, clinic, or other institution providing care, treatment, or having knowledge of a reportable confirmed or probable case pursuant to Ohio Adm. Code 3701-3-03;
• Any individual having knowledge of a person suffering fromCOVID-19.

An outbreak of COVID-19 in the K-12 or ECE setting is generally defined as two or more cases of COVID-19 who are epidemiologically linked, do not share a household, and are not close contacts of each other in another setting. Outbreaks of COVID-19 are to be reported by the end of the next business day to the local health department.

There are three health departments in Butler County. To find which health department your facility should report to, please go to https://odh.ohio.gov/find-local-health-districts or type in “ODH Find my LHD” into a web browser.

Butler County has a COVID-19 Self-Report Survey. To report a positive COVID-19 test, scan the QR Code: