Kern County COVID-19 confirmed cases increases to 40, first death in Kern according to officials.

Kern County Public Health Services Department confirmed Friday the first COVID-19 related death in a Kern County resident.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and are saddened by this,” says Matt Constantine, Director of Kern County Public Health Services. “This is a tragic reminder of how serious COVID-19 can be and we encourage all residents to stay at home and practice social distancing when going out for essential services.”