GOSHEN – The first coronavirus-related death in Orange County has been announced.
The individual was a 99-year-old man who had multiple pre-existing medical conditions. He passed away Wednesday morning, county officials said.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said COVID-19 has spread rapidly throughout Orange County and she recommended that all residents stay home, including children and teenagers not in school, unless they must get food, medical supplies, or must go to work. She said people should try to use delivery services when possible. And, keep your distance from other people as much as possible, following the recommendation of six feet.
Gelman advised residents to consider any public site in Orange County as a potential site of COVID-19 exposure.
She said the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 continues to be to practice basic, common-sense personal hygiene. That includes washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, refraining from touching your face and avoiding unnecessary contact with others.
County Executive Steven Neuhaus offered his condolences to the family and urged the community “to practice vigilance, social distances, and public health hygiene in an effort to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.”
