WOODSFIELD — Monroe County officials on Monday confirmed a second coronavirus-related death occurred Saturday.

The Monroe County Health Department recorded the second death of a resident who had tested positive for COVID-19 just one day after the first death in the county was announced Friday morning.

Linda Masters, administrator for the County Health Department, said the department is not releasing the ages of the two individuals.

“The only thing that we release is the age range of our positive cases,” she said.

As of Monday, the county has 57 positive cases, one probable case, two deaths and seven patients who have recovered.

The age range of those individuals is between 10 and 99 years old.

Masters said the department staff is saddened by the deaths of the two county residents.

“We are saddened with the loss of our second resident. We’re doing everything we can to try and protect our community from this virus,” she said.

Masters said the department anticipates that the positive case numbers will continue to rise throughout the county.

“The Ohio Valley is so rural. It seems like everything gets here later than everywhere else so we’re still afraid the numbers will continue to increase at least for a while … ,” she said.

The health department recommends that residents continue to practice social distancing, thoroughly wash their hands frequently, sanitize surfaces and don facial coverings.

As summer approaches and businesses are beginning to reopen, Masters wants to remind residents of the importance of social distancing and the aforementioned protocols to ensure the safety of those around us.

“I know everyone is wanting to get out and get together with the nice weather, but the social distancing is so important,” she said. “And wear a mask to protect others and hopefully others will wear theirs. The hand sanitizing, social distancing and masks — hopefully we can beat this thing.”