Officials have announced the first coronavirus-related death in Virginia.
A news release from the Virginia Department of Health said the man who died was in his 70s and contracted the illness from an unknown source.
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The cause of death was respiratory failure caused by coronavirus.
"On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, we express our deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones of the patient who died, as well as the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak," State Health Commissioner Norman Oliver said in a statement, The Virginian Pilot reported.
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WRIC reported Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued the following statement:
“Pam and I were deeply saddened to learn that a Virginian has died from COVID-19, and we grieve for everyone this virus has touched around the world. “The health of Virginians and our communities is my most important priority right now. As a Commonwealth, we have taken major, critical steps to stop the spread of COVID- 19. I have declared a state of emergency, closed K-12 schools across the state, restricted visitors at nursing homes and correctional facilities, limited state employee travel, and canceled large events.
“This is a public health crisis—we must all treat it as such.
“Again, I urge Virginians: take this seriously. Take basic health precautions, avoid large gatherings, telework if possible, and stay home if you are sick. That will stop the virus from spreading.
“It is all of our responsibility, yours and mine, to keep each other safe and healthy.”
Northam said he would be meeting with local officials Sunday and will speak to the community at noon about taking more measures against COVID-19.
More than 30 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Virginia as of Saturday evening.
The news comes after New York confirmed its second coronavirus-related death.
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