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Virginia on Saturday reported the state's first death from COVID-19.

The person who died was a man in his 70s who had been hospitalized and previously tested positive for COVID-19, state officials said. The death was in the Peninsula Health District, which covers Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County.

The patient had acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19, the officials said.

“On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, we express our deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones of the patient who died, as well as the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver. “The health of our residents and the community is our top priority, and we will continue working together to care for the patients, protect the safety of health care workers, and protect the people in our Commonwealth.”

This case was recorded by the Virginia Department of Health when it was first identified.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam released the following statement Saturday: