MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Health Department reported the county’s first death of a resident due to complications from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Saturday.
According to county health officials, the adult was hospitalized and had an underlying health condition that “predisposed the individual to having more severe disease.” No other information about the patient was released to protect the family’s privacy.
“This is a tragic development. The Monterey County Health Department is taking necessary, carefully considered steps to slow down the spread of the disease and to protect those at greatest risk,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County Health Officer and Director of Public Health. “We are facing a historic public health challenge and know this is a very difficult time. Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our community.”
The health department also announced that there are now 11 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Monterey County, and at least two of them appear to have been acquired locally.
“It is critical that individuals and organizations continue to take actions to slow the spread of the virus by following all applicable guidance and recommendations from the Monterey County Health Department, including the County Health Officer Shelter in Place Order,” the department stated in a news release Saturday.
