JCHC: County’s Low Number of COVID-19 Cases Misleading

During their media briefing Monday, officials at the Johnson County Healthcare Center said the county’s low number of positive cases of COVID-19 is misleading, and should in no way lull the public into a false belief that the virus isn’t here.

Hospital CEO Sean McCallister said it is important that the public act as if everyone is a carrier of the virus.

McCallister said the next few weeks especially are critical for the county and the state, as the peak is predicted for the virus at that time.

He said no one should let their guard down and if everyone does that, the county will be fine. Not totally unscathed, but better off in the end.

Dr. Mark Schueler said that there have virtually been no tests of people in the county, with basically no data to speak of.

Much of what is happening now is speculation, but speculation on the side of caution.

Dr. Schueler said that as more testing capability and supplies are gathered, it won’t change the priorities or strategy of how they deal with illnesses.

The idea is to limit the spread of the virus and then treat those who get sick.