City, County Confirm 16th COVID-19 Related Death
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 28, 2020, 0 Comments
Courtesy Rafael Benavides,
LAREDO, Texas—The City of Laredo and Webb County have confirmed the 16th death in Laredo related to COVID-19. The City and County want to express their most sincere condolences to the family and want them to know that our counselors, as well as our support, are available.
A man in his 70s, with underlying health conditions, had tested positive for COVID-19 and was being treated at Laredo Medical Center when he died on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
Laredo Medical Center issued a statement:
“We are sad to confirm that one more patient has died from COVID-19. We appreciate the valiant work done by our caregiving team and we extend our deepest sympathies to the patient’s family and loved ones. It is vitally important for all members of our community to practice hand hygiene and social distancing which are the best ways at this moment to slow the spread of the virus.”
The City of Laredo Health Department reminds the public that the coronavirus can be present in their system even while the person presents no symptoms. While some may not symptoms, others may initially have mild to moderate symptoms that can include high fever, cough and shortness of breath. The majority of patients will recover, but some may need to be hospitalized due to complications. The majority of our local positive cases have recovered while isolated or quarantined in their home. Please follow the City of Laredo health department COVID-19 prevention guidelines regarding social distancing and proper hygiene. It is highly recommended that persons stay home, not gather in groups and cover their nose and mouth when around others.
The Health Department continues to conduct contact investigation on persons who have tested positive to determine possible exposure to others. If the health department has not contacted you, there is no need to take any action at this time. If you feel ill, please contact your physician and monitor your symptoms.
In households with a positive person, there should only be one dedicated caregiver. Other family members must stay apart and practice good hygiene and physical distancing. The positive person should be in a dedicated room and must wear a mask and not gather with other family members. The caregiver should also wear a mask when providing care. This is extremely important as evidence points to strong clustering among positive persons.
Stay home if you are sick and call your doctor. Do not go to the doctor’s office, call your doctor first. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
As of 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, a total of 2,097 persons have been tested, 1,398 of those tests have resulted negative, 349 have resulted positive, 350 test results are pending, 102 persons have recovered, 17 remain hospitalized, and 16 have died.
In order to safeguard legally-protected information, the City of Laredo is not publically releasing personal or identifiable information regarding any cases as it relates to COVID-19 testing, results or monitoring.
Please continue to do your part in preventing the spread of all diseases. Follow the guidelines below:
· Follow CDC and WHO guidelines and practice physical distancing
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not readily available.
· It is recommended to wear a mask or face covering
· Avoid touching your face
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick
· Stay home when you’re sick
· Cover all coughs and sneezes
· Clean frequently-touched surfaces
