California Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Over Coronavirus Threat

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency after the state's first fatality from the new coronavirus.

March 4, 2020 4:24pm

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency after the state’s first fatality from the new coronavirus.

Newsom announced the measure Wednesday at a news conference, saying it was intended to help procure supplies quickly.

Officials say an elderly patient who apparently contracted the COVID-19 virus on a cruise died in Northern California.

Health officials said the elderly patient had underlying health conditions and died at a hospital in Roseville, near Sacramento.

Another person who had been on the cruise ship tested positive for the virus Tuesday.

The governor said the state currently has 53 cases of COVID-19.

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