Copy of 2020-03-08T001424Z_775995977_RC28FF9NUNN6_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-USA-1583739114318
(For illustrative purposes only) Medics transport a patient through heavy rain into an ambulance at Life Care Center of Kirkland. Image Credit: REUTERS

MONTREAL: Canada has recorded its first death from the new coronavirus, health officials in the westernmost province of British Columbia announced on Monday.

The victim, a senior residing at an elderly care facility, "was infected with COVID-19 (and) passed away last night," the province's health officer Bonnie Henry told reporters.

Canada has recorded at least 71 confirmed or presumed coronavirus cases. Most are in the most populated province, Ontario, or in British Columbia.