It is the second such death announced in three days, coming after the Jackson County Department of Public Health announced the county’s fourth death Aug. 3.

The person whose death was announced today was older than 75 with underlying health conditions. Because the person had underlying health conditions, JCDPH investigated the death and was able to confirm that COVID-19 was a contributing factor. To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about the individual will be released.

“An additional death is devastating not only to the family and loved ones of this individual but also to our community,” said Deputy Health Director Melissa McKnight. “Please use our best public health tools to slow the spread of this virus and protect those who are most vulnerable in our community — stay home if you can and if you must go out, follow the three Ws.”

The three Ws are wear a mask, wash your hands and wait six feet apart.

Information on any future COVID-19 deaths in Jackson County can be found on the Jackson County, NC COVID-19 Data Dashboard at http://health.jacksonnc.org/covid19-data-dashboard. This Dashboard is updated by approximately 5 p.m. each weekday.