Coronavirus: Buncombe announces first COVID-19 death in county resident

Buncombe County Health and Human Services has reported the first COVID-19 associated death in a Buncombe County resident.

"The elderly individual died from complications associated with the virus on March 28, 2020 at Mission Hospital. To protect the privacy of the family, no further information about this patient will be released by BCHHS," a statement posted to the county's website read.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this time. COVID-19 can be a serious illness, especially for the elderly or those with underlying health problems. All of us must do our part to protect ourselves, our friends and family, our neighbors, and the most vulnerable in our community,” Interim Public Health Director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore said in the statement.

“With COVID-19 spreading in our area, it is absolutely critical that we each reduce our chances of getting or passing on this illness. As much as possible, we should stay at home, away from people with whom we do not live. This is especially important for people at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19.”

More: Coronavirus: What you need to know in Asheville, WNC on March 29

More: What to do if you think you have the coronavirus: a 5-step guide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) people at high risk for severe medical consequences, including death, include anyone who:

Is 65 years of age or older

Has a high-risk condition that includes: chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma heart disease with complications weakened immune system severe obesity - body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, kidney failure or liver disease pregnancy - pregnant women should be followed closely by their healthcare providers since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness.



Buncombe County and all of its municipalities have issued an order to Stay Home, Stay Safe for all people in Buncombe County.

"It is imperative that we all comply with the directives of the order, which include no gatherings of any number of people outside of a single household or living unit for any reason and strict guidance to eliminate all non-essential travel, services, or exposure to people outside of your immediate family unit," the BCHHS statement read.

There are a total of 19 lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, including one fatality, in Buncombe County as of March 29.