The Minnesota Department of Health today is reporting the first confirmed death of a Minnesota resident due to COVID-19. The death occurred March 19th in a Ramsey County resident in their 80s who recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was the contact of an earlier confirmed case. State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says the death underscores the importance of protecting our most vulnerable Minnesotans during the outbreak–including people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions. So far, 137 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Minnesota. Malcolm is again reminding Minnesotans to cover our coughs and sneezes, to wash hands frequently, to avoid touching our faces and to stay home if we feel sick.