LIVINGSTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Livingston County Reports Local COVID-19 Death

By Press release submission

Apr 2, 2020

Livingston County Health Department issued the following announcement on March 25.

The Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) received notification today of the first local death attributed to COVID-19. The individual was an elderly male with underlying health conditions. He was hospitalized March 19, 2020 and passed away yesterday evening, March 24, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor.

“Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who have lost their loved one,” said Dianne McCormick, Health Officer at LCHD. “This is a tragic reminder of how serious a threat COVID-19 is to our residents, especially those with underlying health conditions and really, to the community as a whole.” LCHD reminds everyone that in this difficult time it is critical that we protect each other, support each other, and work together to slow the spread of this disease. It’s important for residents to be aware of the disease and the efforts necessary to prevent its spread. Strong community mitigation and prevention measures are already in place. LCHD urges residents to continue to follow recommendations: • Stay at home. Do not leave home except for essential tasks such as getting groceries or seeking medical care.

• If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid any gatherings.

• Wash your hands often and well, especially after being away from home, coughing, or sneezing.

• Do not touch your face or mouth, especially when away from home.

• Check on others. Call your loved ones and neighbors who are most at risk and see how they are doing. If they require something essential, see how you can help.

Everyone should be following the above guidance. There is evidence of community spread locally. Testing is ongoing. However, with so few tests completed and so many pending, everyone needs to take precautions, practice prevention, and assume potential exposure in public locations. Please rely on official sources for information. LCHD continues to provide the latest information at www.LCHD.org. Click on “Coronavirus 2019” to view case counts and more. Michigan updates are available at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and national updates are at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Original source can be found here.