Submitted by San Juan County.

A San Juan County resident has recently died, and the cause of death has been attributed to COVID-19. This was an unvaccinated islander who recently contracted COVID, was hospitalized and unfortunately passed away due to the illness.

This is the first recorded COVID-19 death in San Juan County. We are all saddened by this news and share our condolences with the family.

We know that this news may raise some additional questions, however, to protect patient privacy, we are unable to release any further details.

Islanders, please continue to take steps to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19. Steps include wearing appropriate face coverings (KN95, N95 masks) indoors; physical distancing and avoiding large indoor gatherings.

If you are unvaccinated, please consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible. San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James states “Getting vaccinated not only protects the person being vaccinated but also those at high risk of severe disease: those over 65 or under 5 years of age, the immune-compromised and the unvaccinated. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe disease including hospitalization and death. It is never too late to vaccinate.”

Vaccinations remain a critical tool in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and greatly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Recent reports show that unvaccinated 65+ year-olds are 15 times more likely to die of COVID-19 compared with fully vaccinated 65+ year-olds. SanJuan County will be having mass clinics January 21-23 and there are still appointments available.

Sign up for an appointment here: https://www.sanjuanco.com/1737/COVID-Vaccine-Info.

First and second doses are available for everyone ages 5+ and boosters are available for everyone eligible ages 12+. Pfizer and Moderna appointments are available.