The Marion County Health and Human Services headquarters in Salem (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
SALEM – A Marion County resident has died from the COVID-19 disease, the first death in the county and the fourth reported in Oregon, according to Marion County officials.
The announcement was made in a statement Friday evening by the Marion County commissioners.
“For the family’s privacy, Marion County will not be releasing any patient information,” the statement said.
On Saturday, the Oregon Health Authority disclosed that patient was a 72-year-old woman who died Friday at Kaiser Permanent Sunnyside Medical Center. The agency said the woman, who had underlying medical conditions, tested positive on March 15.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we ask everyone to continue to take necessary precautions to minimize your exposure to COVID-19,” said Commissioner Colm Willis, chair of the three-person Marion County Board of Commissioners.
“Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our community. It is critical that individuals and organizations take action to slow the spread of the virus and follow the guidance and recommendations from health care professionals,” the statement said.
The disclosure came as Gov. Kate Brown was prepared to announce new social distancing measures for the state in a news conference Friday evening. She was to be joined by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury.
According to the Oregon Health Authority data as of Friday morning, 17 Marion County residents had been diagnosed with COVID-19. The total count for the state was 114. Only Washington and Linn counties had a higher count.
On Saturday, the agency said the total in the state was up to 137, including 19 in Marion County.
