Alabama’s first victim of the coronavirus pandemic was a resident of Jackson County, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed the death Wednesday night.

“It is with profound sadness that I confirm that one of our citizens has passed away from the COVID-19 virus. I extend my prayers and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones during these extraordinary circumstances," the governor said.

“I continue to urge everyone that this virus is real, it is deadly, and we should continue to maintain social-distancing as much as possible. Together, we will overcome these challenges and difficult days. I appreciate the diligence of the Alabama Department of Public Health for thoroughly investigating this case, which unfortunately was indeed a coronavirus-related death.”

The patient had underlying health problems and died in a facility outside of Alabama, according to State Health Officer Scott Harris.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of the patient who died, as well as to the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak,” Harris said. “The health of our residents and the community is our greatest 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 state.”

Tim Guffey, chairman of the Jackson County Commission, had earlier confirmed in a letter one of the county’s part-time employees died of COVID-19.

“The (Alabama Department of Public Health) has confirmed that the employee passed away after having contracted COVID-19,” Guffey wrote. “The employee worked in a department at the Jackson County Courthouse that did not require regular contact with the public. All county employees who worked in the same department have been notified and none of them have reported any symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus.”

Guffey later told AL.com the employee, a woman, died at a Chattanooga hospital. Her name is not being released.

No information was released on the person’s age. The employee’s work area has been cleaned.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Jackson County had 2 confirmed cases of coronavirus. There are currently 386 confirmed cases in the state.