Fayette County has recorded its first COVID-19 related death.
The Fayette County Public Health Department on Friday announced the death of a female patient in her 70s with underlying health conditions. The department says it will not be releasing any other identifying information in regard to the deceased.
The Fayette County Public Health Department also announced a significant increase in positive cases, Friday. Officials say 16 new cases have been confirmed along with two probable cases for a total case count of 165 since March. 126 Fayette County patients have since recovered, and 38 individuals are currently ill and in isolation. 4 people are currently hospitalized.
The full release issued by Fayette County Public Health on Friday was received as follows:
It is with great sadness that Fayette County Public Health has confirmed the first death of a Fayette County resident with COVID-19 as a contributing factor. The patient was a female in her 70s with underlying health conditions.
“We express our deepest condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of the deceased,” said Leigh Cannon, MPH, Deputy Health Commissioner of FCPH. “We ask that the community please respect the privacy of this family as they mourn their loss,” Cannon said. “No further information will be released.”
As of Friday August 21, 2020, Fayette County Public Health is reporting a significant increase in positive cases of COVID-19. 16 new confirmed and two new probable cases have been reported since yesterday for a total of 18 new cases. FCPH has reported a total of 165 cumulative cases of COVID-19 since the first lab-confirmed case was reported on March 24. 126 individuals have recovered and have been released from monitoring. 38 individuals are actively ill and in isolation. 4 people are currently hospitalized and there have been a total of 17 hospitalizations due to complications from COVID-19. No additional information is available at this time as the investigations are still being conducted.
Cannon is asking for the community’s cooperation in contact tracing. “If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and get a call from the health department, please answer the call,” she said. “It is important that we are able to identify those who may have had close contact with infected individuals in order to stop the spread. We do not share your identity when we speak to people to let them know that they have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.”
Most individuals who contract COVID-19 will experience a mild or moderate illness. However, some will experience severe illness. Those who are at the highest risk for serious complications are older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). “It remains important to stay vigilant in taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Cannon, “Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Stay 6 feet apart from others who are not a part of your household. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Wear a cloth facial covering when indoors in public places, or outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained. Stay home when you are sick.”