HUNTINGTON, West Virginia. The Cabell-Huntington Health Department is releasing guidance relating to the Governor’s Executive Order 24-20. Overall, Cabell County has done well at social distancing however we need to continue to implement and enhance the distancing guidance. The importance of increasing our efforts to protect each other right now is found in the recognition of the silent threat of the infection when it has no symptoms or the symptoms are mild such that people would work sick like we always did. Increasing our efforts right now, at or near the peak of the first wave of this epidemic, can send the curve downward and pave the way to move forward.
We know that people are getting sick without clear contacts, likely from being around someone who wasn’t very sick, or wasn’t sick at all, but still could spread the disease. By wearing masks when we’re around others at work or in public spaces helps reduce the exposure to the droplets that carry this disease. By building separation using clear screens at checkout lines and reception desks, by reducing the number of people in a store at any one time, by protecting each other in the commercial kitchens and assembly lines we keep operations in action that we can build from as we get back toward normal.
The guidance we’re issuing today sets limits to help enforce the Governor’s Executive Order 24- 20 meant to do what we’ve just described – prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. “I know we’re all tired of being cooped up and told what to do, but we can’t beat this enemy without fighting it. By showing how well Cabell County buckles down and works together, we help ourselves, show the state what we’re made of, beat this disease, and get ourselves ready to move on.” said Dr. Michael Kilkenny, health officer for Cabell County and the City of Huntington.
Supplemental Guidance in support of WV Executive Order 24-20 (Cabell-Huntington Health Department)
Additional CDC Guidance for business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic
CDC guidance for health professionals
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Contact:
Elizabeth A. Adkins, MS
Director of Health & Wellness/PIO Cabell-Huntington Health Department
elizabeth.adkins@chhdwv.gov
cabellhealth.org
