Online Update: Lawrence County Confirms First COVID-19 Death

The Lawrence County Health Department in Mt. Vernon officially confirmed June 29 the first death from COVID-19 in that county, as well as 4 new cases of COVID-19.

"The Lawrence County Health Department is saddened today to report the first death of a Lawrence County resident due to COVID-19," LCHD staff said in a statement. "The resident was a 52 year old with an underlying health condition. We are truly sorry and extend our deepest condolences the family and loved ones of this individual."

Of the 4 new cases, there are 3 tied to other individuals having previously tested positive from the Springfield area or workplaces in Barry County. The origin of the other new case is unknown at this time.

The COVID-19 tally for Lawrence County now stands at 19 active cases, 15 recovered, and 1 deceased, as of the afternoon of June 29.

Those newly confirmed individuals with COVID-19 have reported visiting the following locations while potentially infectious:

June 23, 8:45-9:30 p.m., El Maya Restaurant, Marionville. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 24, 6-8 p.m., baseball game, Marionville. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 24, 8-9 p.m., El Maya Restaurant, Marionville. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 25, 12 p.m., Uptown Boutique, Springfield. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 25, 1 p.m., McCallister's, Springfield. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 25, 2 p.m., Sam's Club on Camino Alto in Springfield. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 25, 5:30-8 p.m., baseball game, Billings. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 26, 12-1 p.m., Walmart, Aurora. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

June 26, 1 p.m., Subway (Walmart), Aurora. The individual was not wearing a mask and showed no symptoms.

The LCHD reminds the public to keep in mind that many of those who test positive are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms).

"It is still best to wear a mask though anytime you are out in public," continued the LCHD statement. "Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Recommended preventive actions include:

Wearing a mask in public and/or at work.

Avoiding large social gatherings where social distancing is difficult to achieve.

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Washing hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds -- or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Cover coughs or sneezes in the crook of the arm, or in a tissue, then wash hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

Stay home if feeling sick.

Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of the more serious complications from COVID-19. Anyone who feels they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and then develops the following symptoms: Fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congested or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and or diarrhea; should contact their health provider for medical advice, before even making any in-person contacts.

The LCHD said CoxHealth is also offering virtual visits at https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/.com.