Old North News

Alamance County issued the following announcement on Apr. 23.

Alamance County Health Department received notification of the county’s first death associated with COVID-19. The individual was greater than 65 years old with underlying conditions and receiving care at a hospital. To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, no further information about the individual will be released.

“We are deeply saddened by this news and our hearts are with their precious family who have lost someone they love and cherish. This loss affects our entire community,” said Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is so important that each of us take steps to protect ourselves and others to prevent the spread of this virus, especially to our most vulnerable populations. We urge the community to continue to practice social distancing and the recommended general precautions in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our neighbors.”

The Health Department urges individuals to take the following standard precautions to help protect themselves and others from this respiratory illness:

•  Follow the Governor’s Stay at Home guidance and Executive Order that limits gatherings
•  Practice social distancing by keeping more space between individuals
•  Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
•  Avoid close contact with people who are ill & stay at home if you are sick
•  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
•  Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
•  Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
•  Have a plan in place to care for yourself or a sick family member due to illness
•  People over 65 or who have chronic health conditions or with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness from the virus, and should avoid contact with anyone that doesn’t live in the household
•  If you must leave home for a necessary outing, the CDC recommends wearing a cloth mask or face covering

Media Partners: Please note the Health Department will not issue future press releases regarding COVID-19 related death notifications. COVID-19 related deaths will be added, beginning tomorrow, to the daily updates provided on our website and Facebook page. Many thanks for your attention.

Original source: https://www.alamance-nc.com/blog/2020/04/23/alamance-county-notified-of-first-covid-19-related-death/