First person in the US dies from coronavirus in Washington

Feb 29 2020, 6:54 pm

The US has recorded its first death due to the novel coronavirus.

A man in his 50s died in hospital at EvergreenHealth Medical Centre in the Seattle area, King County public health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin told reporters Saturday afternoon.

The man had underlying medical conditions.

He was not in the long-term care facility near Evergreen, although Duchin said health workers there are dealing with an outbreak of pneumonia-like symptoms among residents.

In a statement, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said “it is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. Our hearts go out to their family and friends. ”

Officials with the Washington State Department of Health initially confirmed the death on Twitter Saturday morning.

Across the country, the US has recorded more than 60 cases of COVID-19.

In Canada, there have been 19 cases and no deaths so far.

 

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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