TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY (WSKG) - A resident of Tompkins County has died of COVID-19. They are the first county resident to die from the virus since the pandemic began.
Cayuga Medical Center stated that the person was a 95-year-old patient who entered the hospital in Ithaca on October 6.
"This passing is a difficult reminder that COVID-19 is still having serious impacts on our community,” said Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Public Health Director.
Kruppa went on to state that this death is further reminder that the disease disproportionately affects those who are elderly, immunocompromised or have certain underlying health conditions.
The death occurred, almost seven months to the day the county announced it was closing all schools to slow the spread of the disease.
Cayuga Medical Center* in Ithaca has previously reported the death of two New York City residents who were brought to the hospital as "compassionate transfer".
*Full disclosure: Cayuga Medical Center is a WSKG Underwriter.