New York Reports 2 Coronavirus Deaths, 1 in Brooklyn

NBC

New York saw its first two coronavirus-related deaths Saturday – an 82-year-old woman in New York City who contracted the illness while dealing with an underlying respiratory illness and a 65-year-old Rockland County resident who had “other significant health problems,” government officials announced.

The Brooklyn woman was hospitalized in Brooklyn on March 3 after contracting the novel coronavirus “on top of the emphysema,” Cuomo said during a teleconference Saturday. The case marked the first death of a person in New York State “who had the coronavirus with the underlying symptoms,” he said.

“We are saddened to learn of our city’s first reported death linked to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic — a senior resident of Brooklyn. Any death, at any time, is a tragedy, but her death is especially significant as it emphasizes just how closely this pandemic hits home,” Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family and other loved ones of this latest victim, and to all who have been touched personally by this national emergency. And we offer special appreciation to the staff at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for their commendable efforts in attending to the victim — as well as to all healthcare workers who are working overtime to assist during this crisis.

“Our office is moving swiftly and consistently to keep Brooklynites informed and safe as we work together to ensure public safety during these trying times. We urge the elderly and those with already compromised immune systems to take special precautions to remain safe, and that all residents routinely practice precautionary protocols that have been set by our state and local officials in an effort to stem the spread of this virus.”

Fewer details were immediately released about the death of the Rockland County individual. The medical examiner confirmed the death was within the Village of Suffern on and tested positive for COVID-19. A source familiar with the case told News 4 that the victim died at their home in the Village of Suffern on Saturday and had not been previously tested for the coronavirus.

“The decedent was 65 years old and had other significant health problems which were likely contributory to death,” a statement from the medical examiner said.