The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment has now associated five deaths in the county with COVID-19.

Two of these deaths are epidemiologically linked, meaning there is a possible connection to a COVID-19 case, but testing was never completed, according to a press release from the LCDHE. The other three are confirmed to be COVID-19 patients, and all five of the individuals were over the age of 60. 

“We knew we would have deaths associated with COVID-19 in our community, but that doesn’t make this any easier,” Tom Gonzales, Larimer County Public Health director, said in the press release. “Our hearts go out to the families that are so personally impacted by COVID-19 in Larimer County.” 

Gonzales also urged residents to follow the strict stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the virus. 

“Staying home will save lives,” Gonzales said. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment may have different numbers than LCDHE because of the different ways the departments collect data, according to the press release. This means that how deaths are reported may be different, and local information is sometimes available faster than state data. 

Larimer County has currently reported 101 cases of confirmed COVID-19 patients, according to the press release. With minimal testing availability, LCDHE knows that there are many more positive cases in Larimer County. 

You can help slow the spread of the virus by:

• Following the stay-at-home orders
• Avoiding all nonessential travel
• Maintaining 6 feet of distance from others when outside or while carrying out essential travel
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water

LCDHE encourages Larimer County residents to view the latest credible information regarding COVID-19 on the Larimer County website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Residents may also follow LCDHE’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest information available.

Ceci Taylor can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @cecelia_twt