The first COVID-19 related death has been reported in San Luis Obispo County, according to local health officials.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department confirmed Saturday a person in their 80's from North County died from coronavirus.
The patient was in the hospital and had underlying health conditions.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the patient’s loved ones,” said San Luis Obispo County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “As the number of local cases grow, this death is a sad milestone for all of us. Most cases of COVID-19 exhibit mild or moderate symptoms, yet this tragic death underscores the urgent need for us to take steps to protect residents who are at higher risk of developing serious illness.”
Older adults (65+) and individuals with health conditions (such as lung or heart disease, diabetes, and a compromised immune system) are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID19. People at higher risk should stay home as much as possible and consider ways of getting food and prescriptions delivered through family, social, or commercial networks.
To date, ninety-three (93) cases of COVID-19 have been reported in SLO County. Sixty-five (65) have recovered. Twenty-two (22) are currently recovering at home and five (5) are currently hospitalized.
“Now is a good time for those of us that are healthy to contact our friends and family who may be at higher risk and offer support, such as dropping groceries off at their doorstep,” said Wade Horton, Emergency Services Director.
The County can help those high-risk people who do not have any other way of having groceries or prescriptions brought to them.
For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, click here.