The first death related to the coronavirus, COVID-19, has been reported in Los Angeles County, with six additional positive cases bringing the total number to 27, officials said Wednesday.

A woman in her 60s with “underlying medical conditions,” who has not been identified, died after contracting coronavirus while traveling abroad in South Korea, according to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, medical director for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

“We all know that there are more cases in our community that have yet to be diagnosed and we need everyone to help us try to slow the spread of this infection,” Ferrer said.

The victim is not a L.A. County resident, but was visiting friends in the area, according to Ferrer.

Of the additional six cases reported Wednesday, this marks the second “community transmission,” meaning the person contracted coronavirus without traveling outside the state and not being in close contact with a known confirmed case.

The remaining five cases include three “household contacts” with a coronavirus patient, one person returning from France and one traveled out of state to a religious conference, was in close contact with another individual, who then subsequently tested positive, according to Ferrer.

The medical director shared concerns about the testing process, adding, “The testing issue continues to haunt us. There’s a lot of cases that have yet to be diagnosed.”

“We test nearly 30 people a day. We have ordered 2 more machines to test. Running 12-18 hours a day in our lab. We will also need more employees,” Ferrer said. “We can still run hundreds and hundreds of tests.”

See Related: First ‘Community Transmission’ Case Of Coronavirus Reported in Los Angeles County

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should call their healthcare provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Public health officials recommended that people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and people who are elderly adopt some “social distancing” practices immediately. This includes avoiding non-essential travel, avoiding public gatherings and avoiding event venues.

Although officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging residents to be prepared, they say residents are still more likely to contract the flu than coronavirus.

The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including novel coronavirus, are:

• Stay home if you are sick. Sick people make well people sick.
• If you have mild symptoms, there may be no need to go to a medical facility to see a doctor.
• Certain patients, such as the elderly, those that are immune-compromised or have underlying health conditions should call their doctor earlier.
• If you have questions, call the clinic or your doctor before going in. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 211 for assistance finding support near you.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Get immunized against the flu to protect yourself and your family, and reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system, which may be impacted by COVID-19 concerns.

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