A person in their 80s has died after contracting coronavirus in Guernsey

The Director of Public Health in the Bailiwick has announced the first death in Guernsey, as the total confirmed cases now rises to 60.

Dr Nicola Brink has released the following statement:

‘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.’

The news follows yesterday's Facebook live press conference where stricter lockdown rules were emphasised. The rules have now been cleared up and clarified for businesses across the island and the over-riding message is STAY AT HOME.

Deputy Gavin St Pier, in his role as Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority, has released the following statement:

‘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.

We're being asked to respect the family's privacy at this time.