NEW YORK (AP - MODIFIED) — New York state has reported its first death from the new coronavirus.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday that the patient was an 82-year-old woman with emphysema who died at a hospital in New York City. She died on Friday.
I am saddened to report the #COVID19-related death of an 82-year-old women in NYC who had a pre-existing respiratory disease (emphysema).
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 14, 2020
I extend my condolences to her family during this challenging time.
More than 500 New Yorkers have been diagnosed so far with COVID-19, the new illness that has sickened people around the globe.
There are no confirmed cases in the Buffalo area.
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.