California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency after the state’s first fatality from the new coronavirus.
Newsom announced the measure at a news conference Wednesday, saying it was intended to help procure supplies quickly.
Officials say an elderly patient who apparently contracted the COVID-19 virus on a cruise died in Northern California.
Health officials said the elderly patient had underlying health conditions and died at a hospital in Roseville.
Another person who had been on the cruise ship tested positive for the virus Tuesday.
The governor said the state currently has 53 cases of COVID-19.