COVID Grant Co Washington Case Dies

[niman]

Grant County Health District (GCHD) has received notice that the patient with confirmed COVID-19, previously reported, has sadly passed away.

http://granthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19_death_MediaRelease_3_8_20.pdf

[niman]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/8/2020

TO: Grant County healthcare providers, infection control staff, supervisory nursing staff, clinic management, school nurses. Grant County Emergency Management Grant County Media

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT Theresa Adkinson, Administrator 509-766-7960 ext. 24 [email protected]

First Grant County Resident Death from Coronavirus (COVID-19).

GRANT COUNTY, WA – Grant County Health District (GCHD) has received notice that the patient with confirmed COVID-19, previously reported, has sadly passed away. GCHD has and will continue to follow up with close contacts of this patient. “I will start this press release by stating our hearts are with the family, friends, and Central Washington Hospital staff,” states Theresa Adkinson, Health District Administrator. “I speak on behalf of our staff, Health Officer, and Board of Health, we are so sorry for your loss.” “Please heed our advice and review the remainder of this press release and the important information we need you to follow.”

We know that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is in our communities, and likely above the number of cases we already know. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate and most people who get this virus will recover and be just fine, however, it does have a higher death rate than seasonal flu. The elderly, anyone with reduced immune system, or other serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease will be at a higher risk of more severe illness. There are many conversations in the community and on social media regarding whether this is serious. Yes, many of our residents will recover quickly with mild to moderate symptoms. However, we all need to take precautions to protect our most vulnerable populations and slow this disease. This illness can be fatal. Please heed our advice. GCHD is asking that the public do their part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

High Risk People: People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with a lot of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others.

People at higher risk include:

• People 60 and older

• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes

• People who have weakened immune systems

• People who are pregnant