"A death highlights the reason why public health officials are saying stay home and stay safe, and wash your hands. You can't have playdates with your kids, and you can't go visit your grandmother," Ferguson said.

Ferguson did not know if the person had other health conditions, or what the official cause of death was.

Mayor Cam Guthrie took to Twitter minutes after the announcement to share his condolences.

"I just want to, first of all, on behalf of council and the city, to send our deepest sympathy, and our thoughts and prayers to the family involved... I just want you to know that we're very sorry for what you're experiencing right now," said Guthrie.

"If you wonder why I continue to make videos to say that we have to take physical distancing serious, to make sure we're only going out of the house for essentials, this is the reason why."

Update #14 - COVID-19 for #Guelph: 1. First virus death confirmed pic.twitter.com/dKwpxdw5EH — Mayor Cam Guthrie (@CamGuthrie) April 2, 2020

Guelph MPP and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner also offered his condolences to the family.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to this person’s family and friends on their tragic loss," he wrote in an emailed statement.

"We’ve heard gut-wrenching stories from across Ontario and around the world. My heart goes out to anyone suffering from the illness, caring for a loved one, or mourning a loss. The first death in our community as a result of COVID-19 is a heart breaking reminder that the disease can be fatal, and we must take it seriously through physical distancing.

"Our best defence is to stay at home.”

WDG Public Health will continue work with health care providers, hospitals and long-term care providers during these unprecedented times the release says.