Our speaker was Dustin Ratliff , Emergency Response Coordinator from the Warren County Health Dept.

His talk covered:

Increase in cases reported to office 440% increase over last 45 days

163 cases per day versus 25 per day, not due to increased testing

Talked about the “fatigue” – people getting tired and starting to ease up on restrictions

People are staying indoors more, and sitting in closer proximity

Trying to collect data on controlled school environment

Sports teams more likely to have cases, with lack of social distancing and lack of masks

John Z. asked if the curfew was toothless; Dustin said the target was bars and other places that people were getting together at night. Spread is happening with informal gatherings, so it’s an attempt to curb that, he’s not sure what effect it will have. Also asked if after 21 days there will be more restrictive measures; Dustin is hoping that cases go down so we don’t need to take those measures. They don’t have any advance notice to what the Governor will talk about in his addresses.

Barry R. asked how the vaccine will roll out; Dustin says they know a little, and they’ve had promising news on a vaccine. Uses technology that makes it a more rapid response vaccine.
Initial shipment might be 60k doses, mass distribution will probably be April or June. Looking at whether drive thru or walk up is more effective.

John Z. asked about potential pushback based on what we know about two vaccines; more concerned about people not trusting it or not wanting it. John brought up people who are still not taking it seriously and still denying the virus. Dustin said his wife works in ICU COVID unit and confirms people still don’t believe this is a real virus.

Linda said there’s a nasty flu strain this year – asked about whether this strain was covered by the recent flu shot; Dustin said they look at Australia because they are 6 months ahead of us with their experiences. They are at low levels, and we’re just waiting to see. Stressed the importance of flu shots, and you can be co-infected (have both).

John Z. asked about re-infection; Dustin confirmed that they have seen a couple situations, but finds it hard to determine whether or not it’s the same infection. Recommended not getting tested until 3 months after first test.

Nelda L. asked if people got the early flu shot, should they get another one?; Dustin said it’s the same shot, so you don’t need to unless your doctor recommends it.

Joe C. asked about better/easier places to get tested; Dustin said it’s hit or miss, hasn’t heard about any one place that’s better. Joe followed up about the efficacy of rapid test vs. others; Dustin said PCR is the “gold standard” (swab far up the nostril). Antigen test is faster but not as accurate.

John Z. asked what are the top 3 or 4 symptoms; Dustin said number 1 is the loss of taste or smell. It’s not mild, it’s total and absolute. Shortness of breath is also specific.

Aaron R. commented on his experience getting tested in two different places.

Megan M. asked if elective surgeries are being stopped due to hospitalizations; Dustin confirmed that is happening.

Joe C. asked how soon after exposure should people wait to get tested; Dustin said you can test but it’s more important to continue to quarantine even if you get a negative result.

Linda thanked Dustin for coming in on short notice, and thanked his office for getting information out to quash disinformation. Make sure you’re wearing a mask, limit large gatherings, make sure if you feel sick stay home, and wash your hands.

Linda offered the club to help in any way we can.

Aaron asked if we are going to start seeing more and more epidemics; Dustin listed all the more recent novel viruses we’ve seen, and said there is talk about looking at a department or service that deals exclusively with epidemics and virus spreads.

Chad asked if any members have tested positive; Aaron’s wife was positive, and she’s doing well .

Meeting was adjourned at 1PM.