The individuals who tested posthumously for COVID-19 died at home on February 6 and February 17, according to autopsy results released by the county late Tuesday. The deaths appear to be the first confirmed coronavirus fatalities in the country — occurring weeks before the first U.S. death was publicly reported on Feb. 27 — adding to mounting evidence that the virus was spreading here far earlier than once believed.
It was thought that Washington state was where the first c19 death occurred on feb 27
The origin of these cases is believed to be within the community, [County Executive Jeff] Smith added. That suggests community transmission of the coronavirus was occurring in Santa Clara County well before the first U.S. case of community-acquired COVID-19 was reported in Solano County on February 26.
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In a prepared statement released Tuesday evening, the County of Santa Clara said the individuals died at home during a time “when very limited testing was available only through the CDC.” The county did not reveal any further details about the February deaths.
Article submitted by, A Non Ymous.
