SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – The Springfield-Greene County Health Department announced the deaths of 19 patients suffering from COVID-19.
Health leaders say the victims include:
- A man in his 40s
- A man in his 60s
- A woman in her 60s
- A woman in her 70s
- A woman in her 70s
- A woman in her 70s
- A woman in her 70s
- A man in his 70s
- A man in his 70s
- A woman in her 80s
- A woman in her 80s
- A man in his 80s
- A man in his 90s
- A woman in her 90s
- A woman in her 90s
- A woman in her 90s
- A woman in her 90s
- A woman in her 90s
- A woman in her 90s
All of these individuals had underlying conditions. Seventeen lived in long-term care. A total of 239 Greene County residents have died from COVID-19. Forty-three deaths happened in the first week of December.
The Health Department reports deaths on the weekday they were reported to us by hospitals, long-term care facilities or the Greene County Medical Examiner’s office. There is generally a delay from the date of death to the day they are reported, as circumstances are reviewed to ensure that COVID-19 is deemed to be a substantial contributor to the death. There are no set timeframes for how long those reviews last, as each circumstance is unique.
“The stark and sobering reality is that we are losing people in our community daily to this virus. We must all act with responsible empathy and be willing to make small sacrifices now so that our community can finish strong. We need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this illness, especially for those most vulnerable,” said Director of Health Clay Goddard.
Click here to hear from local frontline health care workers on the battles they face.
Number of total Greene County deaths by age group:
40s: 5 deaths
50s: 11 deaths
60s: 32 deaths
70s: 67 deaths
80s: 76 deaths
90s: 46 deaths
100s: 2 deaths
Sadly, this disease is impacting our entire community – not just older adults or those who live in long-term care. In October, the average age was 81. In November, it was 75, as we saw those in younger age groups—including in their 40s—pass away, demonstrating that we are all vulnerable.
We all play a part in prevention
It is vital that we all remain vigilant and follow basic prevention measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially during the holiday season:
- Wear a mask
- Watch your distance
- Wash your hands
- Stay home if you are sick
- Limit interactions and social gatherings
- Minimize travel
COVID-19 Living Memorial
To remember those lost from COVID-19 and to support those left behind, the Health Department has created a COVID-19 Living Memorial.
The memorial can be accessed at health.springfieldmo.gov/COVIDmemorial
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