Mariette Tremblay, 82, died this week at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital after she contracted the novel coronavirus, likely from a family member who had travelled overseas in February

The heartbroken family of the first Quebec woman to die in the COVID-19 outbreak is pleading with people to follow public health instructions and keep their distance from each other.
Mariette Tremblay, 82, died this week at Montreals Jewish General Hospital after she contracted the novel coronavirus, likely from a family member who had travelled overseas in February.
Her family said she died in isolation in her hospital bed to avoid spreading the virus. We would have liked to be able to hold her hand, to comfort her, to whisper softly in her ear, but we didnt have the chance, said the letter published on Facebook by eight members of the Tremblay family. The letter was first posted on the page of her granddaughter, Bibiane Lavallée.
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As of Thursday evening, 12 Canadians had died from COVID-19, the official name of the illness caused by the new coronavirus that has spread around the world. Ontario announced its second death on Thursday, while British Columbia has had eight.
Albertas chief medical officer of health announced the provinces first death on Thursday. The patients infection is believed to be from community transmission, meaning the man had neither travelled nor come in close contact with a recent traveller.
Deena Hinshaw said the patient from the Edmonton region died after being in the intensive-care unit since last Thursday. The man in his 60s had underlying health conditions, but Dr. Hinsaw declined to disclose them, citing patient confidentiality.
This is extremely sad news and all of us involved in Albertas COVID response feel this very deeply, said Dr. Hinshaw, who added that fatalities are nonetheless expected. This is a dangerous virus.
The latest Ontario death, of a 50-year-old man from Milton, was also from community transmission. David Williams, Ontarios chief medical officer of health, said investigators are still looking into exactly how the virus was transmitted.
In the Quebec case, Ms. Tremblay had health issues, including unspecified lung problems. She was easy prey, said her familys letter. It was before Quebec had plunged into this infernal whirlpool, this reorganization, before we had all the information.
Quebec Premier François Legault announced Ms. Tremblays death on Wednesday and extended his sympathies. I want to add that every measure has been taken to retrace every person who might have been in contact with her, he said.
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Horacio Arruda, Quebecs director of public health, said the case highlights the importance of two measures announced in recent days: the provinces demand that all returning travellers isolate themselves for 14 days, and the visitor ban for nursing homes.
We know its a big sacrifice, but the situation is serious, he said. Its a matter of life and death.
Ms. Tremblay, who lived in an apartment in the village of Lavaltrie, on the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal, was well known around town for her sharp mind, kindness and generosity, the family said in their letter. She was also a pillar of our family.”
The family implored people in Quebec and beyond to listen to authorities and show civility and social responsibility.”
Stay home, they wrote. We didnt have a chance to save Grand-mamie. You have the chance to make a difference now that we know the damage this pandemic is causing.
Ms. Tremblay is survived by four daughters, nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
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