Ripley County Announces 12th COVID-19 Related Death; 4th This Month

A recent string of COVID related deaths has hit Ripley County.

(Ripley County, Ind.) – The Ripley County community has lost another to COVID-19.

Since the pandemic began this spring, 12 Ripley County community members have died from COVID-19, according to the Ripley County Department of Health.

The latest death was announced Monday. The individual was an adult female. No further information will be released due to privacy laws.

“It is with a heavy heart that we are yet again reporting the loss of another community member and inform our county of this sad news. Our sincere condolences to the family.” Ripley County Health Officer David J. Welsh, M.D said. “In addition to this citizen passing away we have experienced a marked increase in positive COVID19 cases in Ripley County. We ask that the community continue to redouble all efforts to protect yourself & family members with social distancing, handwashing, mask wearing and self-isolation when appropriate.”

Since the start of November, Ripley County has announced four COVID-19 related deaths.

COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;

• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;

• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and

• Rarely, fecal contamination.

Health officials are reminding area residents of best practices to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

According to the county health department, the best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Visit the Ripley County Health Department’s website at http://www.ripleyhealth.com or the Indiana Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at https://coronavirus.IN.gov for more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19.