- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Public Health officer: Third COVID-19-related death occurs in Lake County
Dr. Gary Pace said the individual died on Wednesday.
“This person was younger than 65, and recently entered the hospital with symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” Pace said.
“We send our deepest condolences to all of those connected to this individual. To protect the privacy of this person and their family, we will not be giving out any further information at this time,” Pace said.
Lake County’s two previous deaths related to COVID-19 were announced on July 3 and Aug. 5, as Lake County News has reported.
Pace explained in a previous interview that the presumed cause of death is determined by the individual’s attending doctor, not Public Health, and that people aren’t identified as having COVID-19 without a positive test.
He said the cause of death is usually decided based on a number of factors, including underlying conditions, symptom progression and recent test results, with autopsies typically not required if the illness follows an expected course.
Lake County’s total COVID-19 caseload on Wednesday had risen to 281 cases, of which 21 are active, none are hospitalized and 257 are recovered, according to the Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.
Statewide, county Public Health departments on Wednesday reported more than 641,000 COVID-19 cases and 11,500 deaths.
The announcement of Lake County’s third COVID-19 death followed by a day the Board of Supervisors’ action to approve a second reading of an ordinance to enforce COVID-19 Public Health orders that require masking and social distancing. It will go into effect 30 days from the approval.
Pace said the latest death “is another tragic reminder that all Lake County residents must take precautions that can slow the spread of this virus.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.