First COVID-related death in NH a grim reminder of virus’s deadly potential

PRINCE GEORGE — A sad day Monday as reality set in for Northern British Columbians, the Northern Health region reported its first COVID-19 related death. Dr. Bonnie Henry said it was a woman in her 70’s who died in hospital, she had been exposed to the virus after attending an event. It was one of six deaths province-wide over the weekend in BC.

“It’s a very sad reminder that COVID can be, and has been, fatal for more than 200 people in our province to date; and that it’s really important people to follow the public health advice and orders for preventing the spread of illness,” said Eryn Collins, Spokesperson for Northern Health.

In Prince George, locals say having the one death on record does not change the way they perceive the virus or how they are approaching health and safety guidelines, though it is something to keep in the back of their minds. One woman said, “It’s a very scary thing… We all have to be very cautious.”