The Jefferson County Health Department reported nine more COVID-19-related deaths today (Dec. 16), bringing the total number of deaths to 120 since the pandemic began.
The nine deaths include two men in their 60s, a man in his 70s, three women in their 70s, two women in their 80s and a man in his 80s, the Health Department reported.
One of nine deaths was associated with a long-term care facility, according to the report.
“The deaths reported this week are just starting to show the impact of the significant increase in community spread during the month of November,” Health Department Director Kelley Vollmar said. “I urge residents to stop considering the rise and fall of the daily numbers as a guide to whether or not to practice safe pandemic prevention practices. Recognize that these numbers represent people with families that loved and lost them. That should be enough of a reason to continue, or start, doing your best to stop the spread of this disease in our community.”
Of the 120 COVID-19 deaths in the county, 59 have been from long-term care facilities, the Health Department reported.
The Health Department also reported 116 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 14,938 since the first ones were reported in March.
The county currently has 5,710 active cases, the highest number since the pandemic began, the Health Department reported.
Of the county’s total coronavirus cases, 1,064 have been at long-term care facilities, which includes residents and staff members who live in Jefferson County.
Preventive steps
The Health Department also reported that the county remains at the red level on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system, for the seventh consecutive week.
Red is the highest level on the Health Department’s four-color system and indicates widespread and uncontrolled transmission of the virus.
To control the spread of the virus, health officials urge residents to follow the county’s face mask order, which requires residents to wear face masks while in public spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained. There are no fines or penalties for violators, though.
The Health Department also stresses the importance of limiting nonessential travel, avoiding crowds, social distancing, good hand-washing and staying home if you are sick.
