LAKE COUNTY— “Late yesterday, we received confirmation a fourth Lake County resident had died with a COVID-19-related illness,” noted Lake County Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace in a press release made public on Saturday. “This person was older than 65, was living in a residential facility, and had very serious, long-term medical issues. They had a positive COVID-19 test when they passed away yesterday.”
As of Monday press time, The Public Health Department reports 332 overall cases, 300 of which have recovered and three currently in the hospital. According to the department reports, as of August 24, the majority of cases (66) has been in the age category of 25 to 34 year olds with 13 to 24 year olds beign the second highest (57).
The announcement of a fourth death comes in the wake of the passing of 22-year-old Brianna Legg 13 days ago.
According to a social media post accompanying an online fundraiser, Legg passed on Aug. 19, 2020 leaving family, friends and loved ones in total devastation. “She was a remarkable young woman who touched many people’s hearts in her short 22 years of life on this earth. We are raising money to help the family through this extremely difficult and heartbreaking time. All funds raised will go towards the memorial arrangements as she would have wanted them, and the significant medical bills that were incurred as she fought COVID-19,” the online post read.
“Whenever an individual in a congregate living situation tests positive for COVID-19, there is great concern others may have been exposed,” noted Pace. “Staff at the residential care facility are appropriately responding by testing, isolating and quarantining residents and employees, alike, using established protocols. The County of Lake’s Public Health Division and the California Department of Public Health have both provided consultation, and every available measure is being taken to limit the probability of spread.”
Pace noted that in order to protect the privacy of this latest death and that of their family, the department would not be giving out any further information at this time.
“This is yet another tragic reminder that all Lake County residents must take precautions that can slow the spread of this virus,” he wrote. “Potential consequences of a lack of vigilance are profound, and some COVID-positive individuals have few or no symptoms.”
“We must pull together to defeat this virus,” Pace noted. “Each of us can do our part by taking simple precautions, like wearing a mask when outside of our households. Making safe personal choices limits the chance we will unknowingly transmit the virus to others. Thank you for continuing to do your part to protect those most vulnerable.”
