Though 28 residents of Daviess County have tested positive for COVID-19, only four of those patients have required additional care from the hospital to combat their severe symptoms. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital said two patients have been released, while two patients remain at the hospital.
Medical staff with OHRH said the majority of patients who’ve tested positive — even a couple of those who’ve been admitted to the hospital so far — reported they end up feeling great once their symptoms dissipate after a few days.
“By the time we call to follow up, their symptoms have been completely resolved,” said Francis DuFrayne, Chief Medical Officer for Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
DuFrayne said there’s an algorithm for determining whether a COVID-19 patient is ready to leave the hospital and subsequently self-isolate at home for an additional 14 days.
Owensboro Health has been following that algorithm carefully, DuFrayne said, adding that a major component is confirming that a patient has been without fever for at least three days and their symptoms of cough and shortness of breath have dissipated.
“For patients who could be hospitalized, we treat them until [we feel they are well enough to go home] and they follow the same guidance from the CDC — a 14-day self-isolation period — as those who test positive and don’t have severe enough symptoms that require additional care from the hospital,” said Michael Kelley, Vice President of Medical Affairs.
Though the line between self-isolation and hospitalization may be blurry to some, it’s clear to healthcare professionals when extra care is necessary.
While DuFrayne and Kelley couldn’t say whether OHRH is treating any COVID-19 patients in critical condition, they said the two patients currently at the hospital are “doing ok.”
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
