Third COVID-19 death reported in Perry County
NEW LEXINGTON — According to the Perry County Health Department, a third individual from the county has passed away due to coronavirus (COVID-19). The announcement marks the third death in the county related to the lingering pandemic.
On Aug. 4, last Tuesday, the local health department disclosed the death of a patient who tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is described as a 81-year-old female who was hospitalized due to the illness.
The health department also clarified the individual was not linked to a current outbreak inside a congregate care facility. Health Commissioner Angela DeRolph stated the health department will not be releasing further detailed information about the female’s identity in an effort to respect the family’s privacy.
“On behalf of the entire county, we express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends,” DeRolph said.
On July 31, the Perry County Health Department announced the death of a 75-year-old male who also tested positive for the illness of which was linked to an outbreak at a local congregate care facility.
In early May, The Perry County Tribune reported the first noted COVID-19 death. The individual was described as an 88-year-old female.
With the most recent deaths, the health department stated that it is continually monitoring all known contacts of COVID-19 cases to limit the spread. It is also conducting response efforts with partners in the area to keep the health of residents safe and intact.
As of last Wednesday, Perry County is still under a level two health emergency, or orange. This is still an indication of increased exposure and spread. The Ohio Department of Health advises that locals exercise a “high degree” of caution when venturing into public areas.
According to Lt. Doug Gill, media contact for the Perry County Unified Command, it is too soon to tell if any current cases have been linked to the Perry County Fair that took place from July 20 through July 25.
The Perry County Health Department has issued guidance on what locals and entities can do to help limit the spread of the illness. The guidance is evidence-based, according to the department.
Locals are urged to conduct daily health and symptom evaluations and if they show any signs of sickness, they are to call their healthcare provider. If they are sick, they are encouraged to stay within their homes.
The maintenance of social distancing is also detailed in its guidance with six feet or more of distance with non-household members. Facial coverings should be worn in public forums especially when social distancing efforts cannot be maintained.
Locals should also exercise caution when traveling to high risk areas with increased awareness when others are not practicing social distancing or wearing facial coverings. According to the state’s COVID-19 advisory system, neighboring Fairfield and Licking counties are still under level three health advisories. Franklin County, an area of which Perry County is a bedroom community for, is also under the same advisory.
Locals are still encouraged to practice safe health habits such as frequent hand washing along with using hand sanitizer, avoid touching their face, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning high touch areas and surfaces periodically.
According to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, more guidelines have been placed on schools regarding the use of face masks as schools prepare to reopen. Recently, all districts in the county have published guidelines for their respective populations.
Last Tuesday, Aug. 4, the governor stated the Ohio Department of Health will issue an order for grades kindergarten through grade 12 to wear facial coverings while at school facilities. The mandate comes in light of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association American Academy of Pediatrics Ohio Chapter creating a joint letter regarding the widespread usage of personal protective equipment with some exceptions.
Some districts have noted that current plans for reopening are subjected to changes if health orders from the state are put forth.
“Without a vaccine, we are limited in the ways that we can protect the people of Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “For schools to have a fighting chance to stay open this fall, widespread face coverings for K-12 students will increase the odds that kids will go to school and stay in school.”
On Aug. 7, the Perry County Health Department released information regarding its investigation of a potential outbreak believed to be linked to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Revival which was held July 26 to July 29. The event occurred in the Village of New Lexington.
Currently, there are four cases from Perry County that have been linked to the event. Those who attended the event are advised to monitor their symptoms for the virus including checking temperatures twice a day.
The local health department will be contacting anyone who is exposed to someone known to have COVID-19.
As of Sunday, Aug. 9, the local health department reported there are 49 active cases of COVID-19 in the county out of the total 130 lab confirmed cases. A total of 83 individual have recovered from the illness. there are two current hospitalizations.
