Dutchess County reports first death

The victim was identified as a 69-year-old man who died Friday

Dutchess County announced Sunday morning that a 69-year-old man has died of the coronavirus, the first death from the outbreak in that county.

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health said in a press release that the man died Friday, March 20.

The release said the man developed respiratory distress and went directly to Mid-Hudson

Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, where he was treated, but died.

The individual had not been screened or monitored by the Department of Behavioral & Community Health prior to hospitalization, according to the release.

The release added that specific information could not be provided for privacy conditions. The release did not say if the man had any underlying medical issues.

There are currently more than 60 positive cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County and the numbers are expected to increase as more testing becomes available this week.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said in the release, “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.”

Behavioral and Community Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian said in the release, “We offer our deepest condolences to the family. We have been in touch

with the family for necessary screening as well as support during this very difficult time. Our entire team continues to work aggressively to fight this battle against COVID-19 and we implore every individual to do their part in the fight by staying home and helping to stop the spread.”

Information is available from Dutchess County government on its website, www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.