Yolo County reports its first coronavirus death, an older patient with health issues

Yolo County reported its first death from the coronavirus Sunday, an older adult with underlying health issues.

Yolo County health officials said the victim contracted COVID-19 through community transmission.

The patient had previously been reported by the county as its sixth and latest confirmed case of the virus.

“I am sad to report the first COVID-19 death in Yolo County. We all want to express our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Yolo County Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman said. “To slow the spread of this virus, we all need to stay inside as much as possible and severely limit person-to-person interactions. We must do everything we can to protect our communities and prevent our health care system from becoming overwhelmed with sick people.”

Thus far, of the six people who have tested positive for COVID-19, this is the only death.

“Our first COVID-19 death in Yolo County marks a grim turn in the local course of this disease. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family and friends,” Yolo County Chair Gary Sandy said. “It is a sad reminder that everyone must shelter in place. It is imperative that we stop the ongoing spread of this virus. It is the personal responsibility of every Yolo County resident to observe the health protocols. It is now a matter of life and death.”

Sacramento County had another death Saturday, as a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Sacramento’s Greenhaven neighborhood was reported dead by church leaders.

New cases elsewhere in Northern California were announced Saturday, including in Butte, Siskiyou and Yuba counties.

This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 3:30 PM.