Atlantic, IA— As we reported yesterday on the KJAN.com News page and our morning broadcasts today (Sunday), Cass County Public Health has confirmed the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for a resident of Cass County.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen. “We know this is a difficult time for them, and we honor their right to privacy. The only details about the patient we are able to disclose is the age range, which is 61-80.”

“We continue to work daily with key stakeholders in the county and state to limit the spread of COVID-19, so that we can decrease its impact on our residents, families, businesses, and everyday life. Our call to action and plea to every Iowan is still the same; we need everyone’s help in practicing social distancing, mask wearing, and staying home when ill so that we can hasten the end of this pandemic.”

All residents should:

• Practice social distancing whenever possible and mask wearing when in close contact or in public.
• Call your healthcare provider before you go into any healthcare facility if you have respiratory symptoms.
• Stay home when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities).
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Take the online assessment at testiowa.com to see if you should be tested for COVID-19.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit coronavirus.iowa.gov or the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov.