Massachusetts Public Health Department reports state’s first death from COVID-19

BOSTON (March 20, 2020) – A man in his 80s from Suffolk County is the first person in Massachusetts to die from COVID-19 related illness, the Department of Public Health announced today. The man had been hospitalized and had pre-existing health conditions that put him at higher risk for COVID-19.

To date, 3,132 residents of Massachusetts have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial labs. Of those, 328 people have tested positive.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends who lost their loved one,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “We are living in uncertain and challenging times, and our administration is bringing every available resource to bear in the fight against this disease, and remind everyone in our Commonwealth to continue to work together, follow social distance protocols and look after each other to keep our communities safe.”

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should stay home. If they become more ill, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 10,400 cases of COVID-19 and more than 150 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.