SAN DIEGO — A woman in her 60s is the first coronavirus-related death in Santa Clara County and the second person in California to die from the fast-spreading virus.

The woman, who had been hospitalized for several weeks, is believed to have contracted the virus through community transmission, according to a statement from the county’s health department.

This case was previously announced on February 28.

“This is a tragic development. The Public Health Department is taking necessary, carefully considered steps to slow down the spread of the disease and to protect those at greatest risk,” said Dr. Sara Cody, health officer for Santa Clara County. “We are facing a historic public health challenge and know this is a very difficult time. Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our community.”

The woman died Monday morning at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California, according to the department.