70-year-old Portland-area veteran is Oregon’s first COVID-19 death

Tally at 36; one Deschutes County case visited country where it's spreading

(Update: Adding Oregon's first COVID-19 death, Gov. Brown statement)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 70-year-old man in Multnomah County on Saturday became the first person to die from COVID-19 in Oregon, the state health authority announced, hours after the state's total tally of presumptive cases rose by six, to 36.

The Multnomah County resident was hospitalized at the Portland Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center and succumbed to his symptoms on Saturday.

The individual is not connected to the cases at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, the Oregon Health Authority added.

“While we knew we would arrive at this day at some point, it doesn’t lessen the impact,” said OHA director Patrick Allen. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the family of this individual who honorably served his country.”

The man, who had underlying heath conditions, tested positive for COVID-19 last Tuesday, He had no known contact to 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.”

Gov. Kate Brown issued the following statement on Oregon's first COVID-19 death:

"Although we knew this day would come, it does not make it any easier to learn of the first Oregonian to succumb to this illness –– an honored veteran who served his country to protect the freedoms we all hold dear," Brown said. "The loss of one life to this disease is too many. Already, thousands around the world have felt the pain that casts its shadow over one family here in Oregon."

"When several more Oregonians are at this moment battling COVID-19, I ask you to join me in honoring this person's memory by taking the steps we know are necessary to prevent the further spread of this disease. By taking action together, we can help to slow the rate of infection and protect our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are most vulnerable."

"We must do all that we can to slow the spread of this disease: avoid large events, follow social distancing protocols, and, above all, stay home when sick. These steps will help to ensure those who are older and have underlying health conditions can avoid becoming ill, and can receive the best available medical treatment when necessary.

"I have every confidence in the health professionals who are working day and night to contain the coronavirus in Oregon, and I will do everything within my power to ensure they have the resources they need to continue their work with all available speed."

Oregon has now had a total of 36 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the OHA announced six new presumptive positive cases of the novel coronavirus as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

OHA reported three new cases in Washington County, two in Deschutes County (which the county announced late Friday) and one new case in Linn County, at the Veterans’ Home in Lebanon.

One of the Deschutes County cases traveled to a country where the virus is actively spreading, state health officials said. The remaining cases are believed to be community acquired. 

“With these latest test results, our concerns and efforts remain laser focused on our nine honored veteran residents who are presumptive positive for COVID-19,” said Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick.

“We are vigilantly working with Oregon Health Authority, Linn County Public Health and other partners to ensure all possible steps are being taken to help mitigate additional impact to our residents and staff. Our thoughts are with the affected veterans and all residents, as well as their families.”

“I know it’s difficult to learn that we are seeing more active community spread of COVID-19, but this is something we’ve been expecting,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed, health officer and state epidemiologist, OHA Public Health Division.

“It’s a good reminder to take steps to protect yourself, and vulnerable friends and family members, by washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you’re sick.”

Health officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Those considered “high risk” include adults 60 and older, or anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart problems, kidney disease, or diabetes, or anyone who has a suppressed immune system.

People vulnerable to complications should follow federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings.

Every resident should take these basic steps to protect those most at risk:

• Never visit a hospital or long-term-care facility if you have a fever or cough illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you feel ill.

The COVID-19 virus spreads like the flu, when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes close to another person (close means about 6 feet). 

After someone contracts COVID-19, illness usually develops within 14 days. Symptoms mirror those of the flu, including fever, cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat and general feelings of illness. That has made it more difficult for health officials to identify sick individuals and stop the virus from spreading.

Stay informed

• Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.
• United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.
• Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.