Two new COVID-19-related deaths were reported by the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services.

In a statement Thursday, the county Health Department said the cases involved men in their 80s who reportedly had underlying health conditions. “Despite extensive treatment, they were unable to overcome the illness,” the county said “Our deepest condolences go out to their loved ones and the Chautauqua County community.”

To date there have been six coronavirus-related deaths in the county. Of those, five have been reported in the north county, where the bulk of cases in general have been identified. One death has been reported in the eastern portion of the county; none have occurred in the western or southern parts of the county.

In addition, seven new cases of the coronavirus were reported Thursday, bringing the total in the county to 97. The new cases involve a male and female in their 80s; a female in her 70s; two females in their 40s; a female in her 30s; and a female in her 20s.

Of the total cases, 48 have come from residents in the north county (Battalion 1); eight in the eastern part (Battalion 4); 25 in the south county (Battalion 3); and 16 in the eastern part (Battalion 2).

According to the county Health Department, there remains 20 active cases in addition to 280 county residents under quarantine/isolation, one hospitalization, 71 recoveries and 4,130 negative test results.

“It’s important to take extra precautions to protect your health if you have an underlying condition like diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease,” the county said. “Keeping our germs to ourselves — washing hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth with a face covering, and socially distancing — helps protect those who are most vulnerable.”

County health officials noted that COVID-19 is an “equal opportunity virus, it hits all age groups and splits pretty close on male/female. It is countywide and has hit many different ethnic and religious groups. It can be active and provide no symptoms, so those carrying it don’t even know they have it.”

Positive cases have been found in people:

• who were asymptomatic, not showing symptoms or feeling sick;

• who had required pre-operative or pre-admission testing;

• who were a close contact (being within 6 feet of someone for more than 10 minutes); and

• who exhibited symptoms.