Baltimore City Health Department Employee Dies From Coronavirus
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An employee for the Baltimore City Health Department has died from COVID-19.
Mayor Jack Young and Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa made the announcement Friday.
"Our hearts are extremely heavy today," Mayor Young said. "On behalf of the residents of Baltimore, I offer sincere condolences to our staff member's family, loved ones, and members of the Baltimore City Health Department."
The employee, who was not identified, worked in the health department's Bureau of School Health and had worked for the health department since 2006.
CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
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"This is a terrible loss to the Health Department. My thoughts and prayers go out to our staff member's family and friends," Baltimore Health Department Commissioner Dr. Dzirasa.
Saint Agnes Hospital ICU Dr. Dean Meadows said that the death is another reason why COVID-19 still needs to be taken seriously.
"I think everybody needs to realize that this remains a very active virus and a very deadly virus," Dr. Meadows said. "We're not out of the woods."
"It does wear on you, but if we let down our guard right now it could be extremely dangerous," Dr. Meadows added.
As of Friday morning, Baltimore City has reported a total of 16,354 positive coronavirus cases and 474 COVID-19 deaths.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
