Santa Clara County Reports Coronavirus-Related Deaths Happened Earlier Than Previously Believed

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — New information released Tuesday night shows that the first documented COVID-19 deaths in the United States happened days earlier than previously believed.

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner said two coronavirus-infected people died there on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17.

Until now, the first fatality was believed to have occurred in Washington state on Feb. 29.

The county said the people died at home during a time when testing was only available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Santa Clara County officials said they expect additional deaths from COVID-19 will be identified as they continue to investigate.