The Jefferson County Health Department reported 17 more COVID-19-related deaths today (Jan. 6), bringing the county’s total number of deaths from the disease to 150 since the pandemic began.
The 17 deaths occurred during the past six weeks and is the largest number of deaths the Health Department has reported at one time during the pandemic.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of those who have passed,” Health Department Director Kelley Vollmar said. “As we report our largest number of deaths, it is imperative that residents continue to practice preventative measures like handwashing, physical distancing and wearing a mask in the new year to reduce transmission and save lives.”
The 17 deaths include five women in their 60s, a man in his 60s, three women in their 70s, a man in his 70s, a woman in her 80s, three men in their 80s, two women in their 90s and a man in his 90s.
Three of those 17 deaths are from long-term care facilities.
Of the 150 total COVID-19 deaths in the county, 64 have been from long-term care facilities, the Health Department reported.
County COVID stats
The Health Department also reported 220 new COVID-19 cases today, for a total of 17,726 cases in the county since the first ones were reported in March.
The county has an estimated 1,057 active cases, the Health Department reported.
Brianne Zwiener, communications specialist with the Health Department, said the Health Department doesn’t follow up with all cases anymore, and the number of active cases is meant to give the public a “general estimate.”
Of the county’s total coronavirus cases, 1,161 have been at long-term care facilities, which includes residents and staff members who live in Jefferson County.
Red status
The county remains at the red level on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system.
Red is the highest level on the Health Department’s four-color system and indicates widespread and uncontrolled transmission of the virus.
In addition to wearing masks and practicing social distancing and frequent hand-washing to limit the spread of the virus, Health Department officials urge residents to limit nonessential travel, avoid crowds and stay home if you are sick.
