FIRST DEATH IN COUNTY

Health department confirms first novel coronavirus death of 80-year-old woman

On March 29 Lorain County Public Health reported the first death of a novel coronavirus patient, according to a news release.

The hospitalized patient was an 80-year-old woman with no underlying health conditions. She acquired COVID-19 through community spread.

“On behalf of the entire county, we express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends,” said Health Commissioner David Covell.

The case was originally reported by Ohio Department of Health and Lorain County Public Health when it was first identified. Lorain County Public Health will not be releasing any identifiable information about the patient to respect her privacy.

“We have been working tirelessly responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to reach out to all known close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases to make sure we help prevent the spread of this disease, as well as ensure that the public has up-to date and reliable information,” said Covell.

The health department encourages residents to practicing social distancing and staying home to slow the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 continues to spread throughout communities, say officials.

According to the most recent statistics, Lorain County has 76 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 17 hospitalizations.

Residents can contact Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367 or visit LorainCountyHealth. com/coronavirus with any questions.

People can also call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 hotline with any questions or visit www.coronavirus. ohio.gov. The call center is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1833-427-5634).

For more information on how we make your health & safety our priorities, follow your local health department on Twitter @LorainCoHealth, Facebook, or YouTube.