HANCOCK COUNTY, Ohio — The first coronavirus-related death was reported in Hancock County Thursday afternoon.
The patient was an 81-year-old male with underlying health conditions.
"It is with sadness today that we are confirming the first death of a Hancock County resident due to severe complications from COVID-19 and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family," Hancock Public Health Commissioner Karim Baroudi said.
Baroudi went on to say this in a statement:
"I want to thank all of the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who did everything within their power to save the patient's life. I would also like to acknowledge the tireless ongoing work of our local government leaders, the team at Hancock Public Health and every local business and individual community member who continues to do their part to stop the spread of this virus; you are all making a difference. We expect for this fight to continue for some time, but with each of us doing our part, the battle will be won."
Health department leaders stressed the importance for everyone to adhere to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's orders as well as continuing to practice the precautions that have been shared regularly by the governor's office.
"This continues to be our most powerful tool to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system so that we can continue to provide the best care to those who need it most," Baroudi said.
For local information and resources, call the Hancock County Resource Call Center at 419-425-9999.
If you are experiencing three of the following four symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, or fever of 100.4 or greater, call the Blanchard Valley Testing and Triage Center at 419-423-7890 to be considered for testing for COVID-19.
If you are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, call the 24/7 Crisis
Hotline at 888-936-7116.
RELATED: Ohio Coronavirus Update | April 9: Confirmed cases of COVID-19 reach 5,512, with 213 deaths
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit /coronavirus-covid-19 for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.