LORAIN, Ohio — On Sunday afternoon, The Lorain County Public Health Department confirmed the county's first coronavirus fatality.
The patient was an 80-year-old woman without any underlying health conditions, according to a press release. The woman, who had been hospitalized, acquired COVID-19 through community spread, the release explained.
“On behalf of the entire county, we express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends,” said Health Commissioner David Covell, MPH, RS.
“We have been working tirelessly responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to reach out to all known close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases to make sure we help prevent the spread of this disease, as well as ensure that the public has up-to date and reliable information,” said Covell.
Lorain County residents with question can call the Pubic Health Department at 440-322-6367 or visit their website.
As of Sunday afternoon, there are now 1,653 confirmed cases of the virus in Ohio, with 29 deaths including the first deaths reported in Lorain and Medina Counties. Summit and Miami County both have five deaths reported; tied for the most fatalities in the state.
Gov. DeWine held and impromptu press conference Sunday, watch his latest remarks in the player below.
Click here for our special coronavirus section.
RELATED: 'Social distance-sing' Mike DeWine shares virtual performance from Malone University Chorale