YREKA, Calif. — Siskiyou County Public Health on Friday reported the area's fifth death attributed to coronavirus since the pandemic began.

"SCPH expresses its sincere condolences to the person’s family and friends. To protect the privacy of this person and their family, we will not be giving out any further information at this time," the agency said. "We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is imperative that we protect each other by doing things like wearing masks and practicing social distancing so we can return to a strong economy and normal day-to-day activities."

Siskiyou County reported its first coronavirus death on November 10, less than a month ago.

Siskiyou County Public Health urged the following precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses by:

• Staying at home if you are sick
• Washing hands often
• Wearing a face mask when in public
• Practicing social distancing
• Avoiding gatherings, including family gatherings

In addition to those basic steps the public at large can take to prevent illness, Siskiyou County Public Health recommended additional measures to prevent exposure among vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions — including diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency, asthma, COPD and others.

Public Health recommends that vulnerable people:

• Stay home as much as possible. Arrange for someone to deliver groceries and other items you need. Ensure you have at least a two-week supply of medication on hand.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or before touching your face.
• If you need to leave the house, minimize contact with other people and with common surfaces. Stay at least six feet away from others. Avoid touching shared surfaces like door handles, or counters. Use clothing or a paper towel instead of bare hands to open doors, for example. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer after touching any shared surfaces or objects.