First COVID-19 death in Milam County

On Monday we learned of our first COVID-19 death in Milam County. This was a Milam County resident under the age of 50.

This case was not related to any of the Cameron Dairy Queen cases. The person had been transported to a Temple hospital late last week and then succumbed to the virus on Monday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family.

This terrible virus is a respiratory disease that is contained in water vapor droplets in human breath. It is expelled by breathing and speaking.

If the virus comes into contact with another human being, it can be inhaled into the respiratory system. The virus then stops the lungs from extracting oxygen from the atmosphere and injecting it into the blood stream, and the infected person can die a slow miserable death.

The virus is very sneaky. It is spread by those with symptoms and those without symptoms.

Thus, one can feel normal and have no symptoms, but still spread the virus by simply breathing and speaking. There is no cure for the virus. In fact, the literature states it may be another 18 months or so, before a vaccine is available.

If one has to have contact with others of the public, it is imperative that a mask be worn over the nose and mouth to prevent the expulsion of the virus.

The mask simply traps and prevents most of the water vapor droplets (and the virus) from coming into contact with others. The CDC recommends—and the Milam County Order—urges everyone to wear a mask when having contact with the public.

Masks may be made of cloth and washed daily. Of course, there are all kinds of masks that are available, including the N95 mask, which is more effective.

Many people in the county are making and donating cloth masks, such as Crystal White and KK Hendrix. Harry Vowell and Keith Debault are donating materials for the masks. Bitmain donated over 7,000 masks and Bill Harris and John Egger are repairing masks. So there are plenty of masks in the county.

Do your part. Wear a mask.

Don’t be that person who causes sickness or death to a loved one or family member.

Don’t be that person who spreads the virus and causes another needless death in our county.

God Bless Milam County.