The County of Santa Cruz announced Thursday that a third county resident has died after experiencing complications from COVID-19.
The man, in his mid-90s, lived in Mid-County, had other health conditions and was in hospice care, according to Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel. He died June 15.
The method of transmission is under investigation, but is thought to be person-to-person from a close contact, likely a caregiver or family member, Newel said.
“Our hearts go out to those whose lives were touched by this individual,” Newel added. “We at County Public Health continue to do all we can to assure that these occasions are as few as possible, and want to remind everyone that COVID-19 remains a significant threat to all Santa Cruz County residents, but especially the elderly and medically vulnerable among us.”
The earlier deaths occurred in March and April.
Newel said COVID-19 was a contributing factor in the June 15 death, but not the primary cause so she wasn’t sure if it should be listed.
“We went back and forth with the state,” she said.
In the end, she followed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control standards that define a COVID-19 death as one caused by COVID-19 or where COVID-19 is a contributing factor.
She reminded county residents that social distancing protocols ━ including maintaining physical distancing and wearing a face covering ━ are more important than ever.
For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents can call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.