Editor’s Note: This announcement comes from Corinne Hyland, public information officer with the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.
After a sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 over the last month, the County of Santa Cruz Public Health Division regrets the announcement of two deaths this week due to COVID-19. No additional details are available at this time.
These deaths are in addition to the two reported during an Aug. 5 press conference, bringing the county total deaths to 8.
Death certificates from the residents who died last week confirm they were a male in his early 60s and a female in her late 90s. Both had underlying health conditions and died with COVID-19 as a contributing factor. While the female was hospitalized for over two weeks, the male died in his home. He tested positive for COVID-19 post-mortem and did not seek medical care. We are saddened by the additional deaths that have resulted from the increased prevalence of COVID-19 in the county and express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of those lost to COVID-19.
Residents should not hesitate to seek needed medical care due to lack of insurance or concerns about the cost of care due to COVID-19.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows for the COVID Presumptive Eligibility program. This provides access to coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, testing-related services, and treatment services, including hospitalization and all medically necessary care from a qualified Medi-Cal provider, at no cost to the individual.
This program serves the uninsured as well as individuals with health insurance whose plans do not cover COVID testing and treatment. For questions, or more information call 831-454-4242 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 2-1-1 outside of those hours.