First COVID-19 death reported in Carroll County

Like and Share this story on Facebook

The Carroll County General Health District officials confirmed the first death of a hospitalized patient who tested positive for COVID-19 in Carroll County.

The patient was an 87-year-old resident of a long-term care facility located in the county.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss in our community, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this individual” said County Health Commissioner Wendy Gotschall.

All local health departments have been working tirelessly preparing for and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic since each case was identified. This includes reaching out to all known contacts of COVID-19 cases to help prevent the spread of this disease.

“We are continuing to see more prevalence of COVID-19 in the community and throughout the state of Ohio. When we re-open our business, we must continue to practice health precautions, social distancing at least six feet away, providing hand sanitizer for employees, wearing face masks, continuing to allow employees to work remotely, if possible.” said Kelly Engelhart, director of nursing and population health.

COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms generally appear within 2 to 14 days of exposure. Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care.

During the Carroll County General Health District Board of Health meeting held April 15, 2020, the Board of Health issued the following recommendation for residents to wear masks in public, especially those involved in food service operations:

COVID-19 spreads primarily by respiratory airborne droplets that may be also spread by these droplets going onto surfaces. COVID-19 may be spread in this manner prior to symptoms developing within an individual. Masks reduce the probability of viral spread. It is the recommendation of the Carroll County General Health District Board of Health that masks be worn when in the workplaces and when out in public unless outdoors and separated by six feet or more. The Carroll County Board of Health especially recommends mask use for all individuals who are involved in food service operations or working in close proximity to others.

We also encourage the community to support our efforts of reducing the spread of COVID-19 by practicing the following recommendations:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Wash hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
  • Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry your hands.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces.
  • Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces often.
  • Call before visiting your doctor. 
  • Practice good hygiene habits.
  • Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals. 

“COVID-19 is here in our rural community, which is why it is vital we take precautions and limit our time in public settings to necessity, when we need to go grocery shopping, or refill prescriptions. When we must visit public settings, we highly recommend wearing a facemask to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said County Health Commissioner, Wendy Gotschall.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and the Carroll County General Health District is sharing information as it becomes available on the CCGHD Facebook page and on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, www.coronavirus.ohio.gov, www.carroll-lhd.org. For questions regarding COVID-19, people can call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center, 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Leave a Comment

Sign up for our Newsletter

Interested in a monthl roundup of stories? Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.

Skip to content