A Washington State resident died from COVID-19 Saturday, the first novel coronavirus death in the United States.

Seattle and King County Public Health officials said in a statement that the patient had "serious respiratory issues" when they arrived at EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland and soon tested positive for COVID-19. Another person is in isolation receiving treatment after testing positive.

Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of Emergency in response a few hours later. Inslee issued a proclamation that directs state agencies and departments to utilize state resources and do everything reasonably possible to assist affected communities dealing with COVID-19 cases. It also allows the use of the Washington National Guard, if necessary.

In a statement, Inlsee said, "Washingtonians can be assured we’ve taken this threat seriously and have been working in collaboration with our health care partners to develop plans and procedures to prepare for what could likely be a world-wide pandemic.”

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