First Person under Age of 18 Dies from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

The coronavirus has rippled throughout the world, as cases across nations continue to surge. In the United States, however, an alarming milestone has just been recorded.

Earlier this week, the Department of Public Health for Los Angeles County announced in an official note that it had recorded the first underage coronavirus-related death.

The press release added that the person is one of three to have died on the day, with the other two aged between 50 and 70.

The under-18 victim lived in Lancaster, although the health officials explicitly explained that every region on L.A. County is now prone to the disease. The note also added that the virus is indiscriminate, warning everyone to take precautions and stay home.

Cases in Los Angeles continue to surge as city officials restrict non-essential movement.

The case shines yet another spotlight to the devastation that the coronavirus is wreaking across. A related People Magazine report confirmed that L.A. County now has 662 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths.

The press release also didn’t offer details on whether the minor had any underlying health issues or if he or she died solely of the virus’s infection.

According to an LA Times report, a separate release from the Department explained that they would be evaluating the case further.

The release explained that the case seems to be complicated, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be assisting with an additional investigation.

So far, Los Angeles seems to be one of the most highly restricted areas in the nation, as law enforcement officials and legislators have moved to keep residents in their homes.

Per a separate report from People Magazine, the California government has ordered citizens to stay home since March 19. Since then, however, 16 other states ⁠— including New York, Florida, and Texas ⁠— have followed suit.

Governors have also advocated for people to practice safe social distancing even at this time. As they’ve continuously explained, the objective is to stop the spread of the virus. This way, it becomes easy to treat victims and not overwhelm the healthcare system.