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The Imperial County Public Health Department has confirmed today that a fifth Imperial County resident has died due to COVID-19 related complications. The patient, an elderly individual with multiple underlying health issues, was initially hospitalized in Baja California but was transferred to a local healthcare facility and passed away. To date, nearly 1,200 residents have been tested for COVID19 infection, of which, approximately 1,020 have tested negative.
“On behalf of the Imperial County Public Health Department, I extend my sincere condolences to this individual’s loved ones. This is a difficult time for our County, but we will get through this together. I strongly urge every resident to continue staying home to save lives,” said Imperial County Health Officer, Dr. Stephen Munday.
Paula Kriner, the Department’s Epidemiology Manager commended the cooperation of Baja California Health Officials in the binational investigation that was required to gather pertinent details of this case. “This collaboration highlights the Department’s ongoing partnership with Baja California Health officials as well as our unified mission to protect the health and safety of those on both sides of the border,” she stated.
The Public Health Department continues to stress the following important steps that individuals must take to protect themselves, their families, and those who are at most risk of harm from COVID-19.
- Stay at home. Limit trips out only for essential tasks (e.g., grocery shopping, medication pick-up, reporting to work if you are designated an essential employee).
- If you must go out, practice social and physical distancing by staying at least six feet away from others to lessen the chances of getting sick.
- Wear a cloth face-covering in public spaces where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Don’t share food or drinks.
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Those at higher risk are encouraged to arrange for someone to deliver groceries and other needed items and try to maintain least a two-week supply of medication on hand.
For questions or information about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by the Imperial County Public Health Department, the community may call the Department’s information line at (442) 265-6700 or access its website at www.icphd.org. Find us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter IMPERIAL COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT 935 BROADWAY
