POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health has confirmed the first death related to COVID-19 in the county.
Officials said the victim was a 69-year-old man who developed respiratory distress and went directly to MidHudson Regional Hospital n Poughkeepsie where he was treated, but died on Friday, March 20. He had not been screened or monitored by the health department prior to hospitalization.
“We have lost a neighbor and extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to his family and friends,” said County Executive Marcus Molinaro. “We are grateful to the compassionate healthcare professionals on the front line today caring for patients across our community. This is a stark reminder of the challenge and toll we all face as we come together to respond to this emergency.”
County Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaildian said the county team “continues to work aggressively to fight this battle against COVID-19 and we implore every individual to do their part in the fight by staying home and helping to stop the spread.”
There are currently more than 60 positive cases of the virus and the numbers are expected to increase as more testing becomes available this week.
Health officials said staying home is critical to stop the spread of the virus to flatten the curve.
Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information and guidance on its website, www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.
