Alberta health-care aide dies from COVID-19

CALGARY — Alberta’s health minister says the province has lost its first health-care worker due to COVID-19.

Tyler Shandro said in a statement Monday that he was saddened to hear about the death and extends his condolences to the man's family, friends and colleagues.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says it, too, is mourning the loss of Joe Marie (Jing) Corral.

The union says the 61-year old worked as a health-care aide at the Bethany Riverview continuing-care facility in Calgary.

The union says he died on Dec. 28 after being infected with the novel coronavirus.

Corral leaves behind a daughter in Burnaby and a son in Edmonton.

“This is obviously a sad and difficult time for the family,” BobbyJoe Borodey, vice-president of AUPE, said in a statement. “It’s always hard to lose a loved one, but it seems even harder over the holidays when we are so focused on family and friends.”

Borodey said the death shows the threat of the virus to front-line workers is real.

“All workers on the front lines of this pandemic fight deserve our thanks for their dedication to caring for and providing services to Albertans during this crisis,” she said. “We owe them a debt that can never be adequately repaid.”

Family members said in a statement released by the union that they are grateful for the support.

“We cannot thank enough those whom have offered their condolences, resources and financial support.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with the funeral and other costs.