The U.S. Department of Defense reports the first coronavirus related death of a service member.
DOD reports a New Jersey Army National Guardsman passed away after testing positive for coronavirus and being hospitalized since March 21.
"Today is a sad day for the Department of Defense as we have lost our first American service member – active, reserve or Guard – to Coronavirus," said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. "This is a stinging loss for our military community, and our condolences go out to his family, friends, civilian co-workers and the entire National Guard community. The news of this loss strengthens our resolve to work ever more closely with our interagency partners to stop the spread of COVID-19."
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus have ballooned to nearly 150,000 confirmed cases in the United State as the virus continues its exponential spread.
Confirmed cases of the virus have increased by nearly 100,000 since March 23, exactly a week ago.
