Public health officials have confirmed the news of two coronavirus death, stating that two men died from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
On Saturday, the Washington State Department of Health said a man from Kings County in Washington died from COVID-19, who was in his 50s and had some underlying health issues. The department also said there are two other positive cases in Kings County.
The second death was of a man who was in his 70s in the Seattle area, who also had underlying health conditions. He died on Saturday at EvergreenHealth hospital in Kirkland, the same medical center where officials identified the country’s first coronavirus death.
Health officer for public health in Seattle and King County Dr. Jeff Duchin said that officials are aware of other people who are associated with the facility, who are reportedly sick with pneumonia and respiratory symptoms.
He said, “We are in the process of investigating this situation as an outbreak.
“Officials are working with the nursing facility to provide care for the infected patients, protect the unaffected patients, and to provide infection control guidance for their staff,” added Dr. Duchin.
On Saturday, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said, “Our hearts go out to their family and friends.”
“It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19,” he added. “We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus. … I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy, safe and informed.”
Shortly after the announcement, Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington. He asked state agencies to “use all resources necessary to prepare for and respond to the outbreak,”
“This is a time to take common-sense, proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of those who live in Washington state,” added the Washington governor.
“Our priority now is to slow the spread of this virus,” he continued. Our health care professionals say the easiest way to do that is to practice good hygiene – wash your hands often, sanitize frequently touched surfaces and stay home when you’re sick. Preventing future cases will require the work of all of us.”
The officials reported 87 cases of coronavirus in the United States so far. Worldwide, the virus has affected more than 89,000 and killed 3,057 people so far, with the vast majority of the cases reported in China.
The United States saw a surge in newly diagnosed cases this weekend, with 23 cases announced on Saturday and Sunday, including the nation’s first two deaths, both in Washington State.
The confirmed cases identified over the weekend were in Washington, Illinois, California, Rhode Island, New York, Florida, and Oregon. The cases included a group of people who reported traveling to high-risk nations. Some believe they have contracted the infection domestically.
