Tuesday night, Governor Reynolds office announced in a news release that the first coronavirus-related death in Iowa has been confirmed.

The Des Moines Register reports that according to Iowa public health officials, a person who tested positive for coronavirus has died. This death is the first that has been linked to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, in the state of Iowa.

The person was described as between 61 and 80 years old and lived in Dubuque County. No additional information has been released at this time, but Dubuque County Public Health officials urged everyone to take the virus seriously and to take precautions against it.

Patrice Lambert, the department's director, stated that just because it happened in Dubuque County doesn't mean that the county is more at risk for COVID-19 than other areas. Lambert also stated that the death is a "tragedy and a reminder for all of the seriousness of this virus."

Our hearts go out to the family, and we continue to urge you all to please protect not only your health, but the health of others, and follow the recommendations to help prevent the spread of this disease.

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