FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 27, 2021
Haywood County reports six COVID-19 deaths this week
In our last press release announcing 12 COVID deaths, we talked about becoming numb to these numbers. Unfortunately for some, today’s message may be even more sobering.
In this release, Haywood County mourns the loss of six more people. They ranged in age from their late twenties into their late eighties. Spouses, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers. People like you and me, some shockingly young. Surely all are gone too soon.
As of the date of this release, Haywood County has now lost 133 people to COVID-19.
This week, the youngest person was between the ages of 25-30. One was between the ages of 40-45, one between the ages of 60-65, one between the ages of 65-70, one between the ages of 70-75, and the oldest was between the ages of 85-90.
All of the deaths listed COVID-19 as the immediate or underlying cause of death on the death certificate.
Two died at home, the others died at either Haywood Regional Medical Center or Mission Hospital.
Privacy laws prevent telling these people’s stories and sharing the details of their lives that make them real to people who might not have known them, but surely each was loved and cherished in their lifetime. Each life is valuable. Please consider this when you make choices about your health and COVID-19.
If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 we strongly encourage you to do so. Booster doses are also now available for anyone vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech more than 6 months ago who are at high risk for serious illness if infected with COVID-19.
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 Health Director Sarah Henderson.
“COVID-19 is a serious and sometimes deadly illness. We ask everyone to consider the pain and loss this virus can bring with it and do everything you can to help prevent its spread.”
“We urge everyone to continue to be vigilant about masking and social distancing any time you’re going to be around people who are unvaccinated or in large group settings. Get vaccinated, wash your hands regularly, and stay home if you’re not feeling well,” said Henderson.
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.
