Richmond County records first COVID-19-related death

ROCKINGHAM — Health officials announced Friday afternoon the first COVID-19 related death of a Richmond County resident.

Health and Human Services Director Dr. Tommy Jarrell said the patient, who was one of the five identified earlier this week, was in a hospital outside of Richmond County.

The name of the individual was not released and no other details were given.

“Please join us in our sympathy for the family and friends of this resident of Richmond County during this most difficult time,” Jarrell said.

As of 1 p.m., Jarrell said there were seven lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the county, with one deceased, one hospitalized and the remaining five in home isolation.

The first two cases were related to travel outside of the county and three were community spread. Jarrell said he wasn’t sure on the two latest cases.

According to Jarrell, 309 residents have been tested for the coronavirus. Of those, 276 have tested negative.

“The Richmond County Health Department reminds everyone about mass gathering restrictions (no more than 10) and social distancing (keep 6 feet separation) in place,” Jarrell said in a release. “With the upcoming Easter weekend, family and friends are highly encouraged to refrain from large gatherings (more than 10) due to the easy spread of this virus. Hopefully, we can all resume our much needed time with our family and friends soon.”

Jarrell also issued a caution about wearing gloves for non-medical use.

“While it is important to protect ourselves from COVID-19 through preventive measures, the Health Department cautions everyone to not assume that the use of gloves will prevent (the virus), he said. “If gloves are not used and disposed of properly, wearing them may provide another surface for the virus to live on — potentially encouraging virus transmission. 

“For example, putting gloves on and driving a car, going into grocery store, using grocery store cart, picking up groceries, touching doors and other objects, opening car doors, driving home and touching many other objects along the way while wearing the same pair of gloves is not the proper use of gloves.”

There is still no curfew in place for Richmond County.