Portland, Ore. -- Officials announced the first death from coronavirus in Oregon Saturday evening.
The person is identified as a 70-year-old man in Multnomah County. He was hospitalized at the Portland Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center and died Saturday.
The individual is not connected to the cases at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon.
“While we knew we would arrive at this day at some point, it doesn’t lessen the impact,” said OHA director Patrick Allen in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the family of this individual who honorably served his country.”
The man, who had underlying health conditions, tested positive for COVID-19 on March 10. He had no known contact with a confirmed case and had not traveled to a country where the virus is circulating.
“This is a sobering reminder that this virus is in our community and can be serious for older people and those with underlying conditions,” said Dr. Jennifer Vines Multnomah County Health Officer. “This loss has motivated us to continue our efforts to minimize the impact of this virus on our community.”