Dallas County has had its first death from COVID-19.

Health officials say a man in his late 80s tested positive when he was hospitalized last week.

Here’s more from the Dallas County Health Department:

The Dallas Health Department today reported the first death of a Dallas resident due to COVID-19.

The resident was a male in his late 80’s.

He test positive for COVID-19 on 6/16/2020 when he was hospitalized.

Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. These actions include:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

· Stay home if you are sick.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

If you think, you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice before showing up.

For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.