Woman, 82, dies of COVID-19 in Auglaize Co.

WAPAKONETA - An 82-year-old woman is the second person to die of COVID-19 in Auglaize County.

According to a news release posted on the Auglaize County Health Department's Facebook page Saturday, the woman was being treated at a local hospital. No further information was released by the health department.

"Auglaize County Health Department staff would like to express our deepest sympathies for her family's loss and send our thoughts and prayers to them," Fisher said in the release.

ACHD in the release also announced two new cases of COVID-19, bringing Auglaize County's total to 22 confirmed cases. The 21st case is a 91-year-old woman who is self-isolating at home and the 22nd case is a 36-year-old woman who is also self-isolating at home, according to the release. The health department also confirmed two hospitalizations.

In Mercer County, no new cases have been reported in over a week. The last confirmed case was announced on April 12 by the Mercer County Health District. The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county remains at 13.

MCHD on Sunday reported six recovered cases, six pending cases, 161 negative cases, two hospitalizations and one death of COVID-19.

As of Sunday evening, the Ohio Department of Health reports 11,602 total cases, 2,565 hospitalizations and 471 total deaths.

The Auglaize and Mercer County health departments urge residents to continue to social distance in order to prevent the spread of the virus and limit all non-essential activities.

COVID-19 is part of a large family of coronaviruses, some of which cause illness in people and others that circulate among animals, according to ODH. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve to infect and spread among people. This happened with severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, in 2003, Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, in 2014 and now COVID-19.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

People can protect themselves against COVID-19 by washing their hands often, covering their mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. They should also avoid close contact and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people should seek medical attention if they experience emergency warning signs, including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to turn around and bluish lips or face. The list is not inclusive, and people should consult their medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.