Kingsville reported its first COVID-19 death Monday night.
Kleberg Co. Judge Rudy Madrid and Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate reported the death of a middle-aged man who tested positive March 27.
"This is a very dark day for our community and the Coastal Bend," said Madrid.
The man was quarantined in his home after being diagnosed and later was admitted to a Corpus Christi hospital, according to the statement released by the city and county. He reportedly had underlying health issues.
His case reportedly was travel-related after making a trip to Waco.
Stay-at-home orders have been in place in Kleberg county since March, before the county's first confirmed COVID-19 case, in order to keep residents safe, the statement said.
"Nobody wants to put these orders in place, but these orders are needed for the safety of our community during this global pandemic," said Fugate. "We do not want to lose anyone else to COVID-19, but that is going to require community cooperation."
KIngsville residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care physician for referral and COVID-19 testing appointment. Residents who do not have a primary care physician can call the Texas Department of State Health Services at (956) 423-0130 or CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg at (361) 595-9746.
See the full statement here.