THE Riverland recorded its first coronavirus-related death after a Barmera grandfather succumbed to the illness last Wednesday night.
Malcolm Todd, 76, passed away in the intensive care unit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, while his wife Sandi, who also contracted the virus, remains in isolation.
Seven News reported staff at the hospital organised a Skype call between the two, so Mrs Todd could see her husband one last time.
The couple contracted the illness during a visit to the Barossa Valley last month to meet with their son who was with a Swiss tour group.
The group has since been linked to a number of cases in both Switzerland and Australia, including Malcolm, Sandi and their son.
Mr Todd’s death was the third coronavirus-related death in the state, and the first linked to the Barossa Valley cluster.
Berri Barmera Mayor Peter Hunt said Mr Todd’s passing was “unbelievably sad”.
“On behalf of the council and the community as a whole, I offer my condolences to Mrs Todd and her family for their loss,” Mr Hunt said.
“Mr and Mrs Todd went to the Barossa for what was supposed to be a joyous meeting with their son who was visiting from overseas, and it sadly happens that Mr Todd was one of the unfortunate ones who contracted this terrible disease.”
Mr Hunt said it was important for locals to continue to follow government directions to protect the community as a whole.
“To think that an outbreak that started in China has now unfortunately caused the death of one of our residents here in Barmera is unbelievably sad,” he said.
“It’s something that we certainly wouldn’t have expected to happen here a few weeks ago, but now sadly it has occurred.”
Before her husband’s passing, Mrs Todd told the Murray Pioneer people needed to abide by social distancing practices.
“When it happens to you it’s shattering,” she said.
“It really concerns me that there’s so many people who think ‘I’ll just do this or it doesn’t apply to me’, but that’s not the case – it applies to everyone.
“It’s just a terrible thing and people need to realise everyone is at risk.”