Second Coronavirus Death In Washington; More Cases Confirmed

A second person in Washington has died from COVID-19 — the new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China — marking the second known death in the United States linked to the virus as more cases were confirmed across the country.

Seattle and King County Public Health officials confirmed the second death in a news release Sunday evening.

The person who died was a man in his 70s who was hospitalized at EverGreen Health in Kirkland and had underlying health conditions. Along with confirming the second death, public health officials said Sunday evening there were three other cases diagnosed in King County. All four cases were in patients who are residents of LifeCare, the nursing facility in Kirkland where dozens are sick with respiratory illnesses or currently hospitalized for pneumonia. The new cases are in addition to the two announced Sunday morning.

There are now 10 confirmed cases in King County, including the two deaths. Overall, state health officials say there are 13 cases in Washington, with three of those in patients in Snohomish County, including the first ever case diagnosed in the U.S.

The first death linked to the new coronavirus was confirmed on Saturday. Officials said the patient was a King County man in his 50s with underlying health conditions.

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The additional cases announced Sunday evening include three elderly patients who are in critical condition. Below is information provided by health officials on the new cases:

• A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20

The two cases confirmed earlier on Sunday are both in men in their 60s with underlying health conditions. One of the men is hospitalized in Renton in critical but stable condition while the other is hospitalized in Seattle and is in critical condition, according to health officials.

Health officials are working to identify those who have had close contact with those confirmed to have the virus. Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are assisting state and local health officials.

As cases were announced in Washington, two health care workers in the San Francisco Bay area who cared for an earlier coronavirus patient were also diagnosed with the virus on Sunday, the Alameda and Solano counties said in a joint statement. Elsewhere, authorities announced Sunday a third case in Illinois and Rhode Island and New York's first cases.

Public Health Guidance On Virus Prevention:

• Do not go to an emergency room unless absolutely essential. Those with symptoms including a cough, fever, or other respiratory issues are advised to contact their regular doctor first.
• If you're sick, stay home.
• Commit to excellent personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Monitor the latest information on COVID-19 in Washington and across the United States:

• Public Health Seattle-King County
• Snohomish County Health District
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Lucas Combos contributed to this report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.