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Trenton, NC – Jones County Health Department reports the first COVID-19 associated death in Jones County. The individual died on April 9th from complications associated with the virus. The individual was in their 70’s with underlying medical conditions and had been hospitalized. To protect the family’s privacy, no identifying information about the individual will be released. 

“Out thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family and friends,” said Wesley P. Smith, Health Director. “This is a sad day for our community, but I want to assure everyone that the Health Department is working tirelessly to educate Jones County residents on steps they need to take to protect themselves and their loved ones from acquiring the virus. We continue to conduct contact tracing to identify anyone who came in close contact with positive cases, and instruct them to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor their health for any COVID-19 symptoms.” 

Jones County residents should continue to follow the preventative measures from CDC and NC DHHS to help reduce the spread of the virus. Preventative measures include frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; staying home when you are sick; covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discarding the tissue immediately; avoid touching your face with unwashed hands; and practicing social distancing. 

“Residents are urged to follow Governor Roy Cooper’s Stay at Home Order and only leave home for essential activities,” Smith stated. “If residents must leave home, they are encouraged to practice social distancing and other known precautions that will limit exposure to the virus. Close contacts of individuals confirmed with COVID-19 who have been required by the Health Department to self-isolate are cautioned that anyone who fails to comply will be issued quarantine orders by the Health Director that will be enforced by local law enforcement.” 

For more information on the coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html) and the North Carolina Division of Public Health Coronavirus call line (1-866-462-3821) or (https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html). Jones County Health Department also is a source of information (252-448-9111) or http://www.jonescountyhealth.com/.