California’s governor declares state of emergency due to coronavirus threat

SACRAMENTO, California — California’s governor declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday due to the threat of coronavirus, becoming the third U.S. state to do so.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration came after the state’s first fatality from the virus.

Newsom announced the measure at a news conference, saying it was intended to help procure supplies quickly.

Officials said an elderly patient who apparently contracted the COVID-19 virus on a cruise died in Northern California.

Health officials said the elderly patient had underlying health conditions and died at a hospital in Roseville, near Sacramento.

Another person who had been on the cruise ship tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

The governor said the state currently has 53 cases of COVID-19.