By Nino N. Luces LEGAZPI CITY, Albay - The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient in Camarines Norte died early morning on Friday after yielding negative result on his second swab test. Dr. Ernie Vera, Department of Health (DOH) Bicol regional director confirmed that the patient, with local code Bicol#61, died 1:52 a.m. on May 15, due to acute renal injury. "The official death certificate listed cerebrovascular accident as the antecedent cause, heat stroke as underlying cause and moderate pneumonia, dengue fever with warning signs and COVID-19 as other significant conditions contributing to the death," Vera said. The patient was a 45-year old male from Labo town in Camarines Norte province, who tested positive for COVID-19 last May 11. "After experiencing symptoms on April 27, 2020, he was admitted at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital on May 4, 2020. Bicol#61 tested positive for COVID-19 on May 11, 2020 and was transferred later that night to Labo District Hospital, a COVID-19 facility. His second swab yielded negative for COVID-19 on May 14, 2020," Vera explained. Following burial protocol on infectious disease, the patient was immediately buried within 12 hours after death. "The patient died within the 14-day incubation period and supposed to have another test after a 14-day quarantine to determine whether he fully recovered or not. Two negative tests with 14-day interval are required to declare a patient as fully recovered. Patients that are discharged after testing negative and without signs and symptoms are tagged as clinically recovered and are required 14 days strict quarantine and another negative test result after, to be considered fully recovered. DOH CHD- Bicol extends it’s condolences to the family and friends of Bicol#61," he said. Meanwhile Vera reiterated to authorities to continue its contact tracing as the patient tested positive for COVID-19 and was not fully recovered at the time of death. "It is critical to prevent and control spread of the virus in the community," Vera ended.