First Oregon Resident Dies From COVID-19

The man tested positive for the novel coronavirus on March 10.

VA Hospital with Skybridge to Oregon Health and Science University. (Wesley Lapointe)
By Tess Riski

A 70-year-old Multnomah County man has died from coronavirus, the Oregon Health Authority announced Saturday night. His death is the first related to the novel coronavirus in Oregon.

The man was previously hospitalized at the Portland Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, officials said. He tested positive for the virus four days ago on March 10.

Officials say the man had underlying health conditions. He has had no known contacts with the state's 35 other confirmed cases, officials said.

"This is a sobering reminder that this virus is in our community and can be serious for older people and those with underlying conditions," Dr. Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County Health Officer, said in a statement. "This loss has motivated us to continue our efforts to minimize the impact of this virus on our community."

Read all of WW's local coronavirus coverage here.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown expressed her sorrow.

"Although we knew this day would come, it does not make it any easier to learn of the first Oregonian to pass away from COVID-19," she said. "He was an honored veteran who served his country to protect the freedoms we all hold dear. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

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