One death actually occurred in January but delays in receiving the death certificate confirming COVID-19 as the underlying cause of death prevented reporting it until now. The individual was between the ages of 85-90.
Two people died in early February. One was between the ages of 75-79 and died at Mission Memorial Campus Hospital. COVID-19 was listed as an underlying cause of death and there were additional significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause.
The other was over the age of 90 and died at Haywood Regional Medical Center. COVID-19 was listed as an underlying cause of death.
Two people died in mid-February. One was between the ages of 80-85, and the other was over 90. One died at Silver Bluff Village, and the other at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Both had COVID-19 listed as the underlying cause of death (disease or injury that initiated the events resulting in death).
To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about the patients will be released.
“We at Haywood County Health and Human Services extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones during this time of loss,” said Interim Health Director Garron Bradish. “COVID-19 is a serious and sometimes deadly illness, and case numbers are rising rapidly in our community. We ask everyone to consider the pain and loss this virus can bring with it and do everything you can to help prevent its spread.”
“We urge everyone to be vigilant about masking and social distancing any time you’re going to be around anyone who doesn’t live in your household. Wash your hands regularly, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. Now, more than ever, we need everyone in the community using every tool in the intervention toolbox to help slow the spread,” said Bradish.
To stay up to date on COVID-19 in Haywood County visit https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/684/Coronavirus-Covid-19-Information
If you have questions about COVID-19 and would like to speak to local Public Health staff, call 828-356-2019, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.