KINGSVILLE, Texas — Kleberg Co. and Kingsville officials said the middle-aged man who died of COVID-19 complications in Kingsville on Monday did everything correctly when he initially felt sick, but that doesn't make Kingsville residents feel any better.
"I mean, it's real," said resident Amanda Ramirez. "It just goes to show it's real. Scary."
Many residents we spoke to say they are surprised to hear the news of the death.
“Actually I didn't know about that, so it's very shocking to hear," she said. "It's sad.”
The man, whose identity is being withheld in accordance with HIPAA regulations, had underlying health conditions. He reportedly felt sick after traveling to Waco.
Health officials said he stayed home, and went to the hospital when his health got worse. He eventually was transferred to a hospital in Corpus Christi.
His marks the first COVID-19 death in the Coastal Bend.
The man tested positive for COVID-19 on March 27, which is the same date the Kleberg stay-at-home order took effect.
Residents also said this pandemic is something everyone needs to take seriously.
“It's everywhere: You can't just say ‘Oh it's in New York; Oh, it's in China; Oh, it's not going to happen here,’ " said Kingsville native Lucy Jaimes. "It will.”
