THE death of a Corowa woman from coronavirus is a "real tragedy" and a sign of more heartache to come, the member for Albury says.
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Beryl Bourke, 74, died in Albury after contracting COVID-19 overseas.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District director of medical services Lenert Bruce expressed his sorrow to Mrs Bourke's family after announcing her death at a media conference in Wagga.
"It's obviously a sad day for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and for our community, we've had our first patient who passed away from COVID-related disease," Dr Bruce said.
"It was a patient who passed away in the intensive care unit at Albury base hospital.
"We obviously extend our condolences to their family."
Albury Wodonga Health declined to offer any comment on Mrs Bourke's death.
The 74 year-old recently went on a trip to New Zealand with another woman from Corowa.
Albury MP Justin Clancy expressed his sympathy to Mrs Bourke's family.
"It's sad, my condolences to her family," he said.
"It's a real tragedy to lose a loved one in that regard.
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"Sadly it's the first fatality in our area, sadly we need to brace ourselves for further fatalities.
"It's a reminder of the need to continue to heed the public messaging and I'm grateful so many are heeding that message.
"I'm thankful to the community and for the response by business."
Federation Shire mayor Pat Bourke, who is not related to Mrs Bourke, said he was devastated.
"I can't begin to imagine how this family is feeling and I offer my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of council to them in this very sad time," Cr Bourke said.
"Losing a loved one is never easy, let alone in these types of circumstances.
"Our love and thoughts are with her family, and the broader community that will be impacted by this untimely passing."
The number of coronavirus cases across the Murrumbidgee health region rose by one on Friday to 41, with the new matter bringing Wagga's tally to 10.
Albury remains on six.
In Victoria, the only fresh COVID-19 diagnosis was in Moira Shire, which now has eight.
Wodonga and Wangaratta both still have one.
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