Lawrence County Health Department was informed today of the first death of a resident who tested positive for COVID-19.  “We are saddened by this news and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual,” stated Health Commissioner Georgia Dillon. “This disease has affected our entire community, and we are working tirelessly to slow the spread of this virus and minimize its impact. Out of respect for the privacy of the patient and the family, we will not be releasing any additional identifying information.”

The Lawrence County Health Department’s infectious disease staff are following established guidelines for the investigation of infectious diseases, and those with direct contact with this individual have been notified.

The Ohio Department of Health and the Lawrence County Health Department asks everyone to remember the following recommendations to protect yourself from illness:

• Wearing masks and social and physical distancing are essential to limit unnecessary exposures.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Clean high touch surfaces frequently – phones, doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, etc.
• Avoid people that are sick.
• If you have any signs of sickness, call your health care provider; otherwise, if you are sick, stay home.

In order to help prevent any further spread of this virus, the Lawrence County Health Department is asking everyone to support and follow the directives and recommendations of Governor DeWine and Lance Himes, Interim Director at the Ohio Department of Health.  Wearing masks and social and physical distancing are essential to limit unnecessary exposures.  While challenging, limiting the community’s exposure to this disease will make a lasting impact on reducing deaths associated with the virus.

The Lawrence County Health Department is actively involved with our partners throughout the county to meet the needs of our residents as we respond to COVID-19 in Lawrence County.  With the guidance of the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we will continue to update Lawrence County residents with new information as it becomes available.

Please be reminded, that Ohio’s coronavirus call center is open to answer questions from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, including weekends. The hotline number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH or 1-833-427-5634. More information is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov