Mildly Ill Howard County Residents Asked To Call Doctor First

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Healthcare experts in Howard County want to make sure residents know when they should seek a doctor, head to a hospital and when to call first. As coronavirus cases increase nationwide, the number has increased locally with four total cases confirmed in the county.

The latest three cases involve a man in his 40s who was in the hospital, a woman in her 70s who is self-isolating at home and another man in his 50s with health conditions who also is self-isolating at home. The first confirmed case of the new coronavirus in Howard County was announced March 15 and involved a woman who lived at the Lorien Elkridge nursing home.

Howard County released the following guidelines for residents who feel ill:

What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
• Mildly symptomatic patients (like fever or mild cough) who are otherwise healthy can self -quarantine, monitoring temperature and symptoms and check in with your medical provider as needed.
• Individuals who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.
• Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness. In most situations, those patients will need to be evaluated in an emergency department. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.

I don't have symptoms, but was recently in contact with someone who was tested positive.
• At this time, due to limited resources, if you are not having symptoms (asymptomatic) you will not be tested. Please stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days.

I was tested and confirmed positive for coronavirus.
• If you are confirmed positive, and are otherwise considered healthy, you may be sent home to self-isolate.
• If you are still waiting for test results, you should continue to self-isolate until otherwise instructed.

Get the latest updates on local and state developments related to the new coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for a Patch newsletter.

Read more:

• 3 New Coronavirus Cases Identified In Howard County
• MD Governor Orders Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, Theaters To Close
• MD Comptroller Requests $500M From State To Support Businesses
• Free Lunches, Breakfast Available To Howard County Students
• MD Grocery Stores Cut Hours For Coronavirus Cleaning, Restocking