First COVID-19 Related Death Confirmed In Ripley Co.

With every new case and death, it is imperative follow guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

(Versailles, Ind.) – The first COVID-19 related death has been confirmed in Ripley County.

The Ripley County Department of Health announced Monday evening that an adult male from Ripley County died at Margaret Mary Health.

The patient was over the age of 60.

“It is with a heavy heart that we are informing our county of this sad news,” said Ripley County Health Officer David J. Welsh, M.D. “Our condolences to the family. We ask that the community redouble their efforts to protect yourself and family with social distancing, handwashing and self-isolation when appropriate.”

Health officials say 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
• Rarely, fecal contamination

Many people wo acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, can self-isolate and do not need to be tested. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

The best ways to protect yourself from the virus is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information, visit https://coronavirus.IN.gov.