Governor Newsom Declares Statewide Emergency

By Pacey on March 4, 2020

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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.