Philadelphia reports first coronavirus-related death

As the national count for coronavirus related deaths exceeds 1,000, Philadelphia reported its first known coronavirus death on Wednesday. 

The man was in his 50s and had an underlying medical condition, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, and he died shortly after he was admitted to the hospital. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney also extended the shutdown of nonessential city operations from March 29 until April 6 and the city's stay-at-home order has no set end date, the Inquirer reported.

Philly Voice magazine reported there have been 475 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the city. Of the reported cases, there is at least one case among city employees and the fire and police departments, the Inquirer reported. City officials said that those who were in contact with infected individuals have been quarantined. 

Kenney told the Inquirer that the death is “truly difficult news” and is a reminder of the severity of the virus and the importance of social distancing. 

There have been 16 coronavirus-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania as of March 26.

Although the coronavirus poses a lower risk for younger people, nearly half of the city's cases are among residents younger than 40, 12 of which are among residents younger than 20, Philly Voice reported. 

The Philadelphia City Council is working on an $85 million emergency funding bill including a $400,000 provision attempting to continue coronavirus education, the Inquirer reported. The council is expected to approve the bill early next week, according to the Inquirer. 

“The unfortunate reality is that there will likely be more deaths as the number of cases grow, which is why our stay-at-home order is essential,” Kenney told the Inquirer. “This virus is very real and very deadly.”