Coronavirus: Greene County death linked to community spread, health commissioner says

Health Commissioner Melissa Howell of Greene County Public Health speaks during a joint press conference on the coronavirus situation with Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

Health Commissioner Melissa Howell of Greene County Public Health speaks during a joint press conference on the coronavirus situation with Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

The death of an 87-year-old Greene County woman who tested positive for the coronavirus, COVID-19, was not linked to travel or a health care facility, Health Commissioner Melissa Howell of Greene County Public Health said.

A day after Montgomery and Greene counties reported their first deaths linked to the virus, Howell and other Greene County officials joined Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County’s Tuesday afternoon press conference on the pandemic.

The Cedarville woman, who was not named, was the first Greene County death due to the coronavirus and highlights the need for social distancing in the community, Howell said.

“If everyone stays home and does their part, together we can lessen the impact,” she said.

Greene County has six cases with two hospitalizations, Howell said. At least three cases involve Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

>> Coronavirus: Greene County reports 1st death

Montgomery County’s Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper did not provide the latest statistics during the press conference. However, the Ohio Department of Health website reports 37 cases with six hospitalizations and one death, which was reported Monday. The patient was not named but was a man 80 or older.

>> Coronavirus: Montgomery County has first death

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley said as we are in the third week of the stay-at-home order the community overall is doing a terrific job with practicing social distancing. She reminded residents to only go out for essential purposes, such as getting groceries, getting prescriptions, going to the doctor or caring for a relative.

Whaley also reminded the community that Wednesday is April 1, U.S. Census Day.

“Celebrate your community by staying home and completing the Census,” she said.

>> Coronavirus: Hospitals amend visitor policies for maternity patients

Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper also was joined by Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger, Dr. Kevin Sharrett, Greene County medical director and coroner, state Rep. Rick Perales, R-Beavercreek, Sarah Hackenbracht, president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association and Dr. Michael Doan, Montgomery County medical director.

About the Author