First Cape Girardeau County COVID-19 death reported

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center on Tuesday reported the first death of a Cape Girardeau County resident due to COVID-19.

The resident was in their 80s, according to a news release from the Cape County Public Health Department. No further details are being provided at this time due to medical privacy laws. As of Tuesday, there have been a total of 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cape County, according to the health department.

CDC guidelines indicate that people age 65 and older are at higher risk from getting very sick form the virus, according to the health Department. Eight out of 10 deaths in the United States have been in adults 65 years and older.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

“Everyone is urged to continue take preventive actions to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses,” the health department said.

These actions include:

— Avoid social gatherings of more than ten (10) people.

— Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

— Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

— Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

— Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

— Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

— Stay home if you are sick. If you think, you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice before showing up.

A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.