Tuesday 31 March 2020
The Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink has made the following statement to announce the first COVID-19 related death in the Bailiwick:
'I am very sorry to report that a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 sadly passed away at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital yesterday afternoon. The patient was in their 80s.
I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected at this extremely sad time.'
Deputy Gavin St Pier, Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority said:
'It is with great sadness that I learned of the first COVID-19 related death yesterday. This is something we knew would come but that does not make it any easier to accept.
I know that Islanders will join me in offering condolences to the family.
This announcement will inevitably shock and concern the community. It confirms the stark reality that, for some this virus is extremely dangerous, even if for the majority it causes relatively mild symptoms.
I would like to reassure you that the States of Guernsey will continue to work tirelessly to respond to the challenges that this pandemic presents us with and we will continue to be open and transparent with the community as each day passes.'
