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Tulsa Health Officials Confirm First COVID-19 Death

Posted at 7:02 AM, Mar 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-19 08:29:53-04

TULSA — Tulsa Health Department officials confirmed Thursday morning that a Tulsa County resident has died due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The man, in his 50s, tested positive for the virus on March 17, officials say, and passed away due to complications on March 18.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm that a Tulsa County resident has passed away due to COVID-19,” said Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “This is a tragedy for our community. In these unprecedented times, everyone feels the weight of this loss. COVID-19 has impacted our community on a monumental level, but today I ask you to take a moment to pause and recognize that a family has lost their loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Tulsa Mayor G.T.Bynum said, “We must remain vigilant to the spread of this virus and continue to take care of each other.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Oklahoma’s first death from COVID-19. Sarah and I send our sincere condolences and ask Oklahomans to join us in praying for his family and loved ones,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.

The epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Currently Tulsa County has 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date, with 29 cases statewide. Three Tulsa County cases were travel-related. The investigation to determine the source of contagion for the fourth case is ongoing.

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