TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - An inmate at the federal penitentiary in Tucson has died less than three weeks after testing positive for COVID-19, according to authorities.
They said 64-year-old Charles Purly Romero died at a Tucson hospital last Thursday.
Romero had been in the penitentiary since 2009. He was serving a life sentence for armed bank robbery and aggravated sexual abuse in New Mexico.
Tucson TV station KOLD reports Romero tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 8 and was immediately placed in medical isolation with the penitentiary staff providing treatment while monitoring his symptoms.
On Jan. 11, Romero was transported to a hospital for treatment due to respiratory distress.
Authorities said Romero had long-term, pre-existing medical conditions that put him at risk for developing more severe symptoms from the coronavirus.
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