The first Minnesotan to succumb to the coronavirus was a Ramsey County resident in their 80s who was diagnosed with the virus eight days ago.

The patient contracted COVID-19 from a family member who tested positive for the coronavirus after recently returning from an international trip, state health officials said Saturday.

“Gwen and I extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones during this time of loss,” Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday after learning of the death. “As COVID-19 continues to spread in Minnesota, we must all do what we can to keep each other safe.”

The patient who died tested positive for the coronavirus March 13, was admitted to the hospital March 16 and passed away on March 19, health officials said. The patient had undisclosed underlying health conditions in addition to the risk factor of being elderly.

“We’ve certainly all been watching the numbers rise, the numbers of cases and the numbers of deaths, in other countries and other states,” Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “This strikes closer to home and closer to heart.”

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 22 new coronavirus cases Saturday, bringing the state total to 137. COVID-19 is now in 26 counties, but health officials say it is likely much more widespread.

MORE: Map of MInnesota coronavirus cases

Kris Ehresmann, the state director of infectious disease for the Department of Health, said more and more of the new cases have unclear origins.

“Now we are seeing our cases shift to community transmission,” Ehresmann said, referring to cases that do not have a direct link to previous diagnoses.

Twelve people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began. Six were treated and released and four people are now in critical condition.

One of the newest cases is in a 10-year-old, the state’s first child to contract the virus, health officials said. They noted the child was home schooled so there wasn’t increased concern of the virus spreading in a school building.

Minnesota’s cases range in age from 10 to 94. The median age is 44.

Health officials continue to remind residents to abide by community mitigation efforts underway to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Those include practicing social distancing and closures of everything from schools to bars to health clubs.

Kathy Hedin, director of Ramsey County public health, noted that such measures can wear on peoples’ mental health. She said there are local hotlines available in most counties for people struggling with mental health symptoms — Ramsey County residents can call 651-266-7900.

MORE: Coronavirus cases in MN, national and international numbers

“This ongoing disruption in our work and in community lives and our inability to connect in our regular networks of support can also cause stress and anxiety,” Hedin said. “Taking care of ourselves physically and mentally is vitally important in the days and weeks ahead.”

State health officials say they will continue daily updates of the coronavirus spread throughout Minnesota. They remind residents probably the most important things to prevent catching and spreading the virus are to wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover coughs and sneezes, don’t touch your face and stay home if you are sick.