OCTC made aware of COVID-19 case

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (07/02/2020) — Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) was made aware on Thursday, July 2 that a student received a positive result for a COVID-19 test according to an official from the Perry County Health Department, in Tell City.

OCTC immediately cancelled the labs scheduled in the building where the student was in class, on the first day of the hands-on component of the course work for the summer session. All Healthy At OCTC protocols were being followed and the students practiced physical distancing and wore masks during the labs. The building will remain closed for 24 hours and then be sanitized before the labs may resume.

"OCTC requires students to record a healthy check-in daily. It is unfortunate that the student came to campus when ill" commented Jeff Hendricks, OCTC's Healthy at Work Officer.

"The health and safety of our students, and our employees is our primary concern" added Scott Williams, OCTC President. College administrators have been in contact with the Perry County Health Department officials who will coordinate with the Green River District Health Department (GRDHD). GRDHD will contact anyone who the student identifies as having been in close contact.

COVID-19 resources can be found on the Green River District Health Department's website http://healthdepartment.org as well as the Commonwealth of Kentucky's resource page at www.kycovid19.ky.gov. There is also a state COVID-19 hotline, (800) 722-5725, operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions.

"We continue to work through our Healthy at Work plans keeping the safety of our students, employees and the community as our top priority. While dealing with this event we will do our best to keep everyone informed as we work through this fast-changing situation. Please keep everyone in our community that is affected by the virus in your thoughts and prayers" commented Scott Williams, OCTC President.