Cathryn A. Beer, health officer, WUPHD

GOGEBIC COUNTY — The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department received notification Thursday of the first U.P. death attributed to COVID-19, which is also the department’s first confirmed case, a press release from the WUPHD states.

The individual was an elderly male Gogebic County resident with underlying health issues, officials said. The investigation into the case continues.

“Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who have lost their loved one,” said Cathryn A. Beer, health officer at WUPHD. “This is a tragic reminder of how serious a threat COVID-19 is to our residents, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. We need to work together to protect each other, support each other and slow the spread of this disease.”

WUPHD is asking everyone to follow the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are not the usual runny nose and sneezing and instead include symptoms of a fever above 100.4, dry cough and shortness of breath, they said.

Symptoms may appear in as little as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Those who feel well do not need to be tested. If you do become ill, call your doctor before going into the office. Testing will be determined based on risk assessment.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people.