First Coronavirus Death Reported In Dutchess County

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has confirmed the first death from coronavirus in Dutchess County. Officials from the county executed office announced the death Sunday morning.

Because of health privacy laws, specifics on the patient are unavailable but county executives did confirm the resident was a 69-year-old male who developed respiratory distress and went directly to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. He died on Friday, March 20.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We have lost a neighbor and extend our sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. We are grateful to the compassionate healthcare professional 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 come together to respond to this emergency.”

The patient had not been tested for COVID-19 prior to his hospitalization. There are now at least 60 confirmed cases in Dutchess County. As the numbers of tests increase, officials expect the number of positive cases to also rise.

"Staying home is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19 to flatten the curve," representatives from the county reiterated to residents.

The Dutchess County coronavirus hotline is 845- 486-3555.