UNIVERSITY CENTER – With at least 60 positive cases of the coronavirus in Bay County, two patients have died from the virus over the weekend.
Bay County executive Jim Barcia confirmed the deaths at a Tuesday press conference, offering condolences, thoughts and prayers to friends and family of the victims who mourn their deaths.
“This is heartbreaking news for our community, as we all hoped Bay County would be lucky enough to avoid such losses,” said Barcia.
On the brighter side, however, 10 patients have since recovered from COVID-19. Out of 361 tests submitted, 279 have returned negative.
Barcia emphasized that a majority of positive cases are patients who are aged 20-70 years old, confirming that those below the senior bracket are vulnerable to the coronavirus. To that end, social distancing is encouraged to continue.
“Every single one of us has to step up to the plate and embrace the social distancing measures that have been put into place,” said Barcia. “This will keep the community healthy. I know it’s hard, I know it’s inconvenient, but we have to put ourselves in the shoes of the [vulnerable].”
Bay County health director Joel Strasz stated that extensive contact tracing will continue, meaning that they will monitor the recovery progress of those who have tested positive for the virus.
Strasz expects the number of cases to peak in mid-May, and that hospitals in the county haven’t experienced an overwhelming surge yet.
“We’d rather have the water come up slowly than have a deluge, and that way too it’s a more manageable situation,” said Strasz, likening the situation to a flooded basement.
In addition, members of the health care workforce are being put under surveillance for COVID-19 symptoms, via an online service from the Bay County Health Department.
More information for Bay County residents is available at the county’s coronavirus web page.