First VA patient dies of coronavirus, agency conducts limited testing

WASHINGTON – A 70-year-old man was the first patient at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility – and the first person in Oregon – to die from coronavirus, according to the VA and the Oregon Health Authority.

The veteran, whose name has not been publicly released, died Saturday at the VA Portland Health Care System. He had underlying health conditions and had tested positive for coronavirus on March 10, the Oregon Health Authority said. He had no known contact to anyone with coronavirus and had not traveled to another country.

“While we knew we would arrive at this day at some point, it doesn’t lessen the impact,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the family of this individual who honorably served his country.”

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