Wyoming announced its first death caused by the coronavirus on Monday.
A man from Johnson County became the first person in Wyoming to die from the coronavirus. County health officials told The Casper Star Tribune that the man was older and had comorbidities complicating his ability to fight the virus.
There were 11 confirmed coronavirus cases in Johnson County, which only has a population of 8,400. Ten of those cases have recovered.
The CEO of Johnson County Healthcare Center, Sean McCallister, issued a statement following the death.
"First and foremost, JCHC wants to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the patient," he said.". While we have yet to experience the magnitude of outbreak in Johnson County as some larger cities across the US, a related death is very sobering."
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, who grew up in Johnson County, said he was "saddened to learn that we have our first" Covid-19 death.
"This one was close to home and sadly serves as a grim reminder of the importance of following public health orders and guidance so we can reduce the number of serious illnesses and deaths in our state," he said.
Wyoming has the fewest number of coronavirus cases, but also has the smallest population of any US state.
