Two COVID-19 patients in Hamilton County have died, health officials announced Wednesday. The deaths are the first in the county.

The first patient, a man in his 60s, died on March 26, according to Hamilton County Public Health spokesperson Mike Samet. The man had underlying health conditions when he was hospitalized and presumed to have the new coronavirus. His positive test result was returned Wednesday, six days after his death.

The second patient, a man in his 50s, also had underlying health conditions and died Wednesday. His positive test result was returned on Monday, Samet told The Enquirer Wednesday afternoon.

Hamilton County Public Health officials say in the release they are unsure of how either patient acquired COVID-19. Both men died in hospitals.

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Health department workers are reaching out to all known contacts of current COVID-19 patients to help prevent the spread of the disease and flatten the curve.

“On behalf of all of Hamilton County, we express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the patients who died,” interim county health commissioner Greg Kesterman said in the release. “We are heartbroken and we extend our sympathies and support to all in Hamilton County and Ohio who are battling this illness. We will not release any identifiable information about the patients to respect privacy.”

Hamilton County Commission President Denise Driehaus responded to the news Wednesday afternoon in a press release.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we learned that two Hamilton County residents have succumbed to the coronavirus," Driehaus said. "Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. Please help us honor all the victims in this pandemic by extending kindness to others, check in on neighbors, and take the time to appreciate the people who continue to work hard every day to keep us safe and healthy.”

The deaths bring the Cincinnati region's total of COVID-19 related deaths to seven. Northern Kentucky health officials will give an update later Wednesday evening.

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