First COVID-19 death in the Chippewa Valley

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department has announced the first death from complications of  COVID-19 in Eau Claire County, which is also the first death in the Chippewa Valley area. Out of respect for the person's family, the department is not releasing the person's name or any other details.

“The Eau Claire City-County Health Department sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual,” said Lieske Giese, Health Officer-Director. “We are extremely saddened by the loss of one of our community members to this virus.”

The number of cases in the area continues to increase, and the Health Department would like to remind people that this death is a sober reminder of the seriousness of the illness. State-wide 744 people have died from the coronavirus so far. There are currently 161 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Eau Claire County.

Everyone can help prevent the spread of illness in our community with a few simple, but effective actions:

• Stay home if you have a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, or other symptoms of illness

• Practice good personal hygiene: o Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, eating, or drinking.

  o Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands.

  o Use hand sanitizer if you do not have soap and water readily available.

  o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• While in public, keep six feet between you and people who don’t live in your home. Avoid gathering with people not in your household. Wear a cloth face covering when physical distance is hard to maintain.

• Call your heath care provider if you have any questions about your health. By staying home, practicing physical distancing, washing hands, and covering coughs and