12-11-20 Haywood County reports 44th - 50th COVID-19 deaths

Haywood County -- Haywood County Department of Health: Dec. 11, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Haywood County reports 44th - 50th COVID-19 deaths

Haywood County Health and Human Services is reporting seven COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total number now to 50. 

All of the deaths were nursing home residents over the age of 65. Three were residents at Autumn Care. Spicewood Cottages, Silver Bluff, and Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehab all had one resident die from COVID, another died at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

COVID-19 is indicated as the underlying cause for three of the deaths. Three others indicate COVID-19 as the immediate (primary) cause.  While no “underlying causes” were listed for these three, some had items listed in the separate “other significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause” portion of the death certificate.

One lists COVID-19 as the sole cause of death.

To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about the patients will be released.

“We at Haywood County Health and Human Services extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones during this time of loss,” said Interim Health Director Garron Bradish. “COVID-19 is a serious and sometimes deadly illness, and case numbers are rising rapidly in our community.”

“We urge everyone to be vigilant about masking and social distancing any time you’re going to be around anyone who doesn’t live in your household. Wash your hands regularly, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. Now, more than ever, we need everyone in the community using every tool in the intervention toolbox to help slow the spread,” said Bradish.

To stay up to date on COVID-19 in Haywood County visit https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/684/Coronavirus-Covid-19-Information

If you have questions about COVID-19 and would like to speak to local Public Health staff, call 828-356-2019, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.