First COVID-19 Death Confirmed In Kosciusko County
First COVID-19 Death Confirmed In Kosciusko County
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David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
First COVID-19 Death Confirmed In Kosciusko CountyThe first COVID-19 death in Kosciusko County was confirmed by the Health Department Wednesday morning.
During the weekly press conference on the coronavirus pandemic, Public Health Officer Dr. William Remington said, “I have sad news this morning. I was notified about an hour ago of the passing of the first COVID-19 patient in this county.”
He said the man was in his 70s and passed away at a local hospital. That was all the information Remington had at that time of the deceased man.
“Condolences to the family. That’s very sobering news. We knew it would come. But nonetheless, it hits deeply this morning,” he said.
Kosciusko’s confirmed case count as of Wednesday morning was at 16.
A news release from the KCHD states the man who died had been treated as a COVID-19 patient at Kosciusko Community Hospital.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified, the release states. It is not the same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold.
COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an in infected person to others through:
• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
• Rarely, fecal contamination.
Many people who acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, can self-isolate, and do not need to be tested. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
The best ways to protect yourself are to maintain social distancing of 6 feet, to wash hands often, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your cough or sneeze, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Newer guidance recommends consideration to the use of nonmedical facial masking when out of the home in public settings where maintaining social distancing would be difficult.
Visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19.
