RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia health officials on Saturday reported the state's first death from the coronavirus, a man in his 70s who died of respiratory failure after acquiring the virus through an unknown source.
In a news release, the Virginia Department of Health and the Peninsula Health District reported the death of the man, who had been hospitalized.
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman says the death occurred in James City County.
Officials say they are reaching out to all identified contacts of people who have tested positive for coronavirus and are giving them instructions on how to protect themselves and others.
Ban on Big Gatherings
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Ralph Northam has banned all public gatherings of more than 100 people statewide and ordered a two-week shutdown of municipal offices in an area of southeast Virginia that has been hit by a cluster of coronavirus cases.
Northam made the announcement Sunday after meeting with local officials in the Peninsula Health District, where eight people have tested positive for the virus.
Those cases include a man in his 70s who died of respiratory failure caused by the virus.
The peninsula covers Williamsburg, Newport News, Poquoson, James City County and York County. Statewide, 45 people have tested positive for the virus.
