BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department was made aware that a positive individual who was reported to be recovered by a Hornell-area nursing home had actually died prior to her reported recovery in June. This nursing home failed to report the death to Public Health.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 44. The individual was a 77 year old female who died in a nursing home in the Hornell area; her death certificate indicates COVID-19 is a contributing cause of death.
“We try to be completely transparent and open with the information we have regarding Steuben County COVID-19 cases and deaths,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Unfortunately in this case, we were not provided with complete information at the time. There are many rumors about how deaths are reported and what deaths are linked to COVID-19. We are clear that this individual was COVID-19 positive at the time of her death, had never tested negative, and had medical professionals cite COVID-19 as a contributing cause of death.”
All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.
For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/