Three COVID-19 deaths reported in Greene County, 17 this month

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is heartbroken to announce the deaths of three Greene County residents from COVID-19. These individuals were associated with long-term care.

Our community lost two women in their 80s and a man in his 90s. All had underlying medical conditions.

The Health Department extends our condolences to loved ones at this tragic time.

“It’s not unexpected to have a number of deaths follow a case surge in long-term care facilities—but that does not make these losses any less tragic,” said Director of Health Clay Goddard.

“COVID-19 doesn’t get into these facilities on its own—it’s sneaking in with workers and visitors. We all have to be vigilant about masking and all of our prevention tools, including one of our most important: staying home when we are sick to protect our neighbors and our vulnerable loved ones.”

Long-term care facilities are required to notify the families of all residents when there is a positive case in the facility as well as when a death occurs.

Institutional settings, like long-term care, are environments where a respiratory illness can easily spread. This can be especially devastating in a long-term care facility, where residents are more susceptible to disease.

There have been 17 deaths from COVID-19 in August. A total of 28 Greene County residents have died from COVID-19.