WATSONVILLE—A man that tested positive for COVID-19 died Friday at Watsonville Community Hospital, Halsen Healthcare CEO Dan Brothman confirmed on Saturday morning.
Brothman did not release any information about the victim.
Two sources, however, said the victim was not from Santa Cruz County. They were speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak publicly on the matter.
Brothman, whose company Halsen Healthcare owns WCH, said they are following all the guidelines from the county health officer and that they are working in unison with nearby Dominican Hospital.
“We’re all very prepared,” Brothman said. “We’ve done training and we’ve stockpiled supplies. We’re ready to serve the people of Watsonville. Our hearts go out to the family [of the victim].”
As of Friday, Santa Cruz County had 15 confirmed coronavirus cases, though health officials have said more will arise in the near future.
Neighboring Monterey County on Saturday afternoon announced the first death of a county resident that had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Officials said the victim was an “adult individual” who had an “underlying health condition” that made them more susceptible to the highly-contagious virus that has sickened thousands worldwide.
They released no other information on the victim in an effort to “protect the family’s privacy at this very difficulty(sic) time.”
“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.”
Monterey County officials also announced the county now had 11 confirmed cases, at least two of which appear to have been acquired locally.
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