Post Date: 04/04/2020 8:44 PM

The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) tonight reports the first COVID-19 related death in Galveston County.

The resident was a female in the 81-90 age range who had pre-existing medical conditions. She passed away today.

“We are saddened to report this news and we offer our heartfelt condolences to her family during this very difficult time,” said Galveston County Local Health Authority Dr. Philip Keiser.

The health district is unable to release any additional information.

“We are facing an unprecedented public health crisis globally,” Keiser said. “We are seeing evidence of community spread in the county and our case numbers continue to increase. We know that social distancing works, but we need you to do your part to help us slow down the spread of this virus.”

GCHD encourages the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by:

Practice healthy hygiene:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. If tissues are not available, cough and sneeze in your elbow. Do not cough and sneeze in your hands.

Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Practice social distancing:

Avoid all gatherings of 10 or more people.

Maintain at least 6 feet separation from others.

Limit contact with people outside of your household.

Avoid social visits.

Limit visits and keep your distance from older relatives, especially those who are at a higher risk for developing serious COVID-19 illness.

Avoid unnecessary travel.

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. If tissues are not available, cough and sneeze in your elbow. Do not cough and sneeze in your hands.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit gchd.org/coronavirus.