- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Fourth COVID-19-related death reported in Lake County
Dr. Gary Pace confirmed the death in a Saturday afternoon statement.
“Late yesterday, we received confirmation a fourth Lake County resident had died with a COVID-19-related illness,” Pace said.
“This person was older than 65, was living in a residential facility and had very serious, long-term medical issues. They had a positive COVID-19 test when they passed away yesterday,” he said.
Pace offered no other details about the individual to protect the privacy of the person and their family.
Lake County’s previous COVID-related deaths were reported July 3, Aug. 5 and Aug. 19, as Lake County News has reported.
The news of the county’s fourth death related to COVID-19 comes as Public Health on Saturday reported another increase in cases, with the county’s caseload now at 332, an increase of eight since Friday.
Lake County currently has 28 active cases and three hospitalizations, down from a peak of five patients requiring hospitalization earlier this week. So far, 300 cases are said to be recovered and a total of 25 patients have required hospitalization, and 9,606 tests have been conducted, according to the Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.
Pace said that whenever an individual in a congregate living situation tests positive for COVID-19 – as was the case with the patient who died on Friday – there is “great concern” others may have been exposed.
“Staff at the residential care facility are appropriately responding by testing, isolating and quarantining residents and employees, alike, using established protocols,” he said. “The county of Lake’s Public Health Division and the California Department of Public Health have both provided consultation, and every available measure is being taken to limit the probability of spread.”
Pace, in a previous interview, explained that his agency does not determine the cause of death for patients, but that responsibility lies with the individual’s attending physician.
Factors used to determine cause of death include underlying conditions, symptom progression and recent test results, with autopsies typically not required if the illness follows an expected course, Pace said.
“This is yet another tragic reminder that all Lake County residents must take precautions that can slow the spread of this virus,” Pace said of this latest death. “Potential consequences of a lack of vigilance are profound, and some COVID-positive individuals have few or no symptoms.”
He added, “We must pull together to defeat this virus. Each of us can do our part by taking simple precautions, like wearing a mask when outside of our households. Making safe personal choices limits the chance we will unknowingly transmit the virus to others.”
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