Shelby County Department of Health announced today the death from thenovel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an adult male from ShelbyCounty.

The adult fromShelby County died at Major Health Partners Hospital on April 02, 2020. The person, who was over age 60, had been hospitalized as a COVID-19 patient. No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

Dr. Loman, Shelby County Health Officer, is asking all individuals to follow our civic responsibility and maintain a minimum of six feet between others when out of our homes for grocery and medical needs. Please stay home unless you are required to work outside the home in an essential job. Wash your hands frequently and maintain good personal and household hygiene measures.

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 that mayonly havemildsymptoms, should self-isolate and may not need to be tested. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness and should seek advice from their medical provider via telemedicine.

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 with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you work in an essential job, Shelby County Health Department recommends bathing/showering immediately when you return home. Keep work clothes separate from other soiled laundry and wear only one time if at all possible. Keep work shoes separated or cleanse prior to being worn in the home.