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County has a total of 31 cases; 8 released from isolation

POLK COUNTY—Polk County has had its first death related to COVID-19.

Polk County officials announced the death Thursday morning.

The county has had 31 people confirmed to have the virus, with 8 of those people being released from isolation.

County officials said the person died on Tuesday, May 5 from complications associated with COVID-19.

The person who died was 70-something years old and had several underlying medical conditions, county officials said.

To protect the family’s privacy, the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency is not releasing any other information about the patient.

“We are saddened that a member of our community has lost their life and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends during this time,” said Polk County HHSA Director Joshua Kennedy. “COVID-19 is a serious health issue, especially for our elderly population and those with underlying health conditions. We encourage all community members to protect themselves and their neighbors, especially our vulnerable populations, by practicing good prevention habits identified by the CDC such as wearing a cloth face covering in public, hand washing and maintaining your social distance. Together we will find a path forward while protecting our community.”

Kennedy urges all residents to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus, including wearing a cloth face covering in public; maintaining your social distance of at least 6 feet apart; wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are ill; cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose and to clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.