The Hamilton County Health Department reported the county passed 100 deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday, a grim milestone as the county closes in on seven months with the virus.
The county reported two new deaths Thursday, bringing the total to 101. The announcement comes as the spread of the virus has slowed in the region after several surges throughout the late spring and summer.
“It is with deep sadness and respect that we honor these 101 lives that have been lost,” said Becky Barnes, health department administrator, in a news release. “These are not just numbers or statistics. Each one of these deaths represents a very real and painful loss to family and friends as well as to our community. Our staff working on the COVID response have developed relationships with many of these patients and their families while monitoring them during their illness.”
On Tuesday, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger extended his countywide mask mandate through Nov. 22. Local leaders and county health officials have credited the mandate with helping drive down spread of the virus in the area.
“I don’t like wearing a mask, but I do know that even if I’m asymptomatic, it protects you and it protects me if you’re asymptomatic,” Coppinger said during the Tuesday news conference. “We know we’re making a difference, and we’re continuing to fight the fight.”