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MONTEVIDEO, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The death of Uruguay's first COVID-19 victim, a high-profile member of the ruling conservative National Party, has sent ripples through political and social circles.

"A big hug for the family and friends of Rodolfo Gonzalez Risotto," Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou posted on Twitter after Gonzalez died on Saturday night at the age of 71, days after he caught the virus.

Presidential Secretary Alvaro Delgado said the country's first death from COVID-19 highlights the need for everyone to stay at home.

Lacalle declared a health emergency on March 13, when the first cases were detected, banning public performances, suspending classes and closing large shopping centers.

Other anti-virus measures include closing borders and creating a Coronavirus Fund financed by cuts in the salaries of high-ranking officials, state company profits and loans from multilateral lending agencies.

While the government has not imposed a mandatory quarantine, Uruguayans appear to be self-isolating, as streets and offices remain largely empty.

Ticket sales within the Metropolitan Transport System of Montevideo have plunged 80 percent.

To date, Uruguay has reported 304 cases of COVID-19.