A Chatham County resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.

A release from the county’s health department on Tuesday said the individual was a resident at The Laurels of Chatham nursing facility, which has become a hotspot for coronavirus cases. More than 50 individuals recently tested positive for the virus at the facility following an additional round of testing.

Chatham County authorities said the individual “had been in declining health for some time prior to testing positive for COVID-19.” To protect the family’s privacy, no further information about the individual will be released.

“We are extremely saddened by the passing of a Chatham County resident due to this horrible virus,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Layton Long in the release. “We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the individual’s family, as well as the residents and staff of The Laurels.”

As of Tuesday, Chatham County has 75 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

“Today’s sad news is a stark reminder of how serious the virus is and that all Chatham County residents should remain vigilant in doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Long.

North Carolina surpassed 100 deaths due to the new coronavirus on Tuesday, according to state health officials.

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