A ninth county resident has died as a result of COVID-19 related complications, Lee County government reported on Wednesday.

In accordance with medical privacy laws, no additional information was provided.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one and ask the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers,” said Lee County Health Director Heath Cain. “COVID-19 remains widespread and we encourage the public to follow recommended guidelines to prevent the further spread of the virus in Lee County. More and more data supports that the simple actions of washing your hands, social distancing of six feet or more, and wearing a face mask will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Lee County has not experienced a COVID death since June 22, which capped off a stretch of four deaths in 10 days. Meanwhile, growth in new cases appears to have slowed somewhat as of the county’s most recent report.

A drive-thru community testing event is set for Tuesday, July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford. Individuals wishing to be tested are asked to pre-register by calling (919) 542-4991 ext. 1015 for English and 1016 for Spanish.