Versailles, IN— Ripley County Department of Health announced on Monday the death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) of an adult male from Ripley County while under care at Margaret Mary Health. “It is with a heavy heart that we are informing our county of this sad news. Our condolences to the family,” Ripley County Health Officer David J. Welsh, M.D said. “We ask that the community redouble their efforts to protect yourself & family with social distancing, hand-washing and self-isolation when appropriate.”
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is not the same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold. The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.
