MURRAY - Murray-Calloway County Hospital has reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

The hospital said Friday it received notification of the positive test late Thursday, and staff are working to locate and contact everyone who may have been exposed to the virus. The person who tested positive is reportedly a hospital employee who had contact with another person from out of state who tested positive after attending a church service in Murray. 

Here is an excerpt from the hospital's statement:

"A visitor came to Murray from out of state last weekend to visit with people here in Murray. They attended a local church service on Sunday, March 15. After returning home, the visitor developed symptoms on Monday, March 16 and was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 17. One Murray resident that this person spent time with is an employee at MCCH. On March 18, the employee followed our protocol and informed us that they had contact with a person who tested positive during our staff temperature checks before their shift started. The employee was wearing a mask already, but was taken to Occupational Medicine for evaluation.  The employee was then sent home and immediately instructed to be quarantined. They were tested, and late last night confirmed positive for COVID-19. The employee and their family are fine and were informed to be at home in quarantine."  

Community members with concerns about exposure and risk are advised to contact the Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline at 800-722-5725. 

On March 11, the hospital opened a dedicated Respiratory Illness Clinic to effectively and efficiently handle the large influx of Influenza A and Strep patients in the community and to best prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 patients. The hospital says anyone experiencing symptoms who feel they need evaluation should utilize the Murray Medical Associates Respiratory Walk In Clinic located in the Medical Arts Building at 180 West. Patients are are advised to call ahead at 270-753-0704 to make a same day appointment.

“Until we have the capability to do widespread surveillance testing, we are utilizing the tests only for patients that a physician determines may be potentially at risk,” said Jeff Eye, MCCH Chief Nursing Officer.