Ripley County Announces 12th COVID-19 Death

This is the fourth death announced this month.

(Ripley County, Ind.) – It has been announced by the Ripley County Health Department that another community member has lost their life due to COVID-19.

Since the start of the pandemic this spring, a total of 12 Ripley County community members have passed due from COVID-19 according to the Ripley County Health Department.

The latest death was announced on Monday, the individual was an adult female. Due to privacy laws, no further information will be released.

“It is with a heavy heart that we are yet again reporting the loss of another community member and inform our county of this sad news. Our sincere condolences to the family.” Ripley County Health Officer David J. Welsh, M.D said. “In addition to this citizen passing away, we have experienced a marked increase in positive COVID19 cases in Ripley County. We ask that the community continue to redouble all efforts to protect yourself & family members with social distancing, handwashing, mask-wearing, and self-isolation when appropriate.”

Less than two weeks into November, Ripley County has reported four COVID-19 related deaths.

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

Health officials are reminding residents of the best practices to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

According to the county health department, 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.

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.