Ripley Co. Health Department Announces 30th COVID-19 Death

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to report the county has reached a milestone I had hoped we could avoid."

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Ripley County Department of Health announced today the 30th death of a Ripley County community member from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to report the county has reached a milestone I had hoped we could avoid. The county has experienced its 30th death connected to the COVID 19 Pandemic. To place this in perspective, we only had 6 deaths through July. This disease process is still active in our community and being spread. Many are paying a high price, both in lost lives and lingering symptoms. While the vaccine will be available on a limited basis soon, we have more work to do. Please do your part to stem the tide of this disease: Mask Up, social distance; stay home if sick; cover your mouth; get tested if needed, and cooperate with the contact tracers.”

No further information will be released due to privacy laws.

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 will have mild symptoms, they should self-isolate and consult their primary care physician regarding testing.
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 who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone should wear a face covering when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. A face covering is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Wearing a face covering not only protects others from the spread of Covid-19, but it protects the wearer as well.

Visit the Ripley County Health Department’s website at http://www.ripleyhealth.com or the Indiana Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19.