Jefferson County has a laboratory confirmed positive case of COVID-19. It was only a matter of time. There will be more. We have been prepared for this and are prepared moving forward. It is critically important now, more than ever, that time and care be directed specifically toward providing useful, honest and accurate information to our citizens, residents, public officials, care providers, responders and their families. The right to privacy remains a bedrock principle of our nation and the basic expectation of every citizen—protected by law. The right to privacy does not cease during such a time as this. Moreover, the release or dissemination of names, addresses or locations for any individual who tests “positive” for COVID-19 does not, in any way, alter the response or change the assessment, treatment or care provided to patients. Releasing personal information does have lasting and profound negative social consequences associated with segregation and isolation—but it has absolutely NO POSITIVE impact on lessening the threat or spread of the virus. Do not ask. We cannot tell you. Practical Application: The only things which are recommended, tested and proven to lessen the impact and spread of the virus are, and have remained, profoundly practical and unchanging: 1. Social Distancing 2. Hand-washing 3. Disinfect surfaces 4. Limit travel and public gathering 5. Self-quarantine for symptoms 6. Self-monitoring To all the residents who have complied with the recommendations, continue to go to work, serve our communities, support our at-risk population, care for their neighbors and encourage our public officials: Please remain calm, remain positive and remain vigilant. It is only through collective effort and commitment to true, accurate, verifiable and practical information that we continue to keep our communities strong. NSAIDs and COVID-19: Ibuprofen does NOT have a negative impact on COVID-19 patients. FDA Guidance: Ibuprofen and COVID-19 Handmade Masks: To all the thoughtful and genuinely concerned citizens who dedicated their time and energy toward making masks for providers: this gesture is an overwhelming display of generosity and support for healthcare providers. However, these masks do not protect workers from exposure. We will use them for our patients, but they do not protect health care workers, providers or responders in the field.
James Tweed
Emergency Services Director
Jefferson County Kansas
COVID19 Release 3_26_2020