A patient in Kings County, Washington, has died of the novel coronavirus, a state health official said Saturday.
The death marks the first death from COVID-19 in the United States.
In a statement, Gov. Jay Inslee said: "It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. We are strengthening our preparedness and response efforts. I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy, safe and informed."
Later on Saturday, Inslee declared a state of emergency.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday told a press conference that the person who died was in their late 50's and was "medically high-risk." He also said that the patient was "a wonderful woman" and said that she died overnight.
Earlier this month, a 60-year-old US citizen died of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.