Weber-Morgan Health Department announces first coronavirus death

Mar 31, 2020, 12:27 PM | Updated: 12:59 pm

Street view of the Weber-Morgan Health Department building. Photo credit: Weber-Morgan Health Department

Former Digital Content Producer

WEBER COUNTY– The Weber-Morgan Health Department announced its first coronavirus related death on Tuesday.

The individual was female between the ages of 18 and 60 and had tested positive while staying in a long term care facility. She died Sunday from COVID-19 and had underlying health conditions.

“The individual had underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe disease and complication from COVID-19. She was previously receiving hospice services for some time,” Weber-Morgan County said in a statement.

Weber-Morgan Health Department is working with those who were in close contact with the patient. At this time, there are no coronavirus cases associated with the patient.

Staff at the care facility who had close content with the patient are self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.

“We want the family and the staff and residents at the care facility to know our heartfelt condolences,” said Brian Bennion, executive director of the Weber-Morgan Health Department. “We appreciate the prompt actions of the care facility to recognize and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. They immediately implemented prevention measures to protect the other residents and their staff.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, members of the Healthcare-Associated Infection Team from the Utah Department of Health were brought in to assist with the investigation, a facility assessment and offer guidance for additional prevention activities,” said a statement by the county health department.

“Assuring the health and safety of vulnerable populations, like those living in longterm care facilities is an important part of the public health response,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist for the Utah Department of Health. “We’ve worked hard with our partners at local health departments to ensure these facilities are aware of the steps they can take to limit the spread of COVID-19 among their residents.”

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
Get a flu shot.