Sullivan County records first COVID-19 death

The Sullivan County Health Department announced on Tuesday the first county death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an adult resident of Sullivan County. No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

According to the Indiana Department of Health, the county has 28 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday morning.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is not the
same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold. COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;

• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;

• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and

• Rarely, fecal contamination.

Many people who acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and can self isolate at home.  Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People concerned about their symptoms should contact their primary care physician for guidance. People with severe shortness of breath, hard breathing, or confusion should go to the nearest emergency department. You should call ahead before going to the doctor’s office, urgent care, or emergency department.

The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, maintain social distancing, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19.