A man in his 70s who had traveled to the United Kingdom is Toronto’s first death related to COVID-19.
In a news release, Toronto Public Health said the man was tested at a hospital in the city and began self-isolation at home. The hospital reported the case to TPH and a case investigation was completed.
The man later presented himself at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital on March 14 and died on Saturday, TPH said.
“Today is a very sad day for us and especially the family and loved ones of the man who passed away. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who died this weekend.
“I’m asking everyone again to make every effort and take every opportunity to practice social distancing. Please stay home, stay safe and take care of each other,” Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s medical officer of health, said in a statement.
de Villa said on Friday that she’s “confident” that Toronto is seeing community transmission of the novel coronavirus.
It is the fourth COVID-19 related death in Ontario. A 77-year-old man from Barrie died on March 17 due to the virus. Two days later, a Milton man in his 50s became Ontario’s second COVID-19 fatality.
A close contact of the first fatality, a Barrie man in his 70s, died on Saturday due to the virus.
A fifth COVID-19 death was reported in Markham, York Region’s first coronavirus fatality. A Markham woman in her 70s died on Saturday after returning from international travel, York Region health officials said.
As of Sunday, TPH said there are 220 confirmed cases in Toronto, 27 more than the cases reported on Saturday.
Mayor John Tory said the death is a tragic reminder that the world is confronting a deadly virus.
“That is why it is so important that we all continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Tory said in a statement. “Our medical experts have been clear, everyone has to change their behavior and stay away from people to save lives.”
The mayor has been self-isolation for more than a week after he returned from a business mission to the U.K.
TPH said they are actively following up with the individuals and their close contacts.
Ontario confirmed 48 new cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 425. In Canada, there are more than 1,400 COVID-19 cases.
Frontline workers test positive for COVID-19
At least 13 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, Toronto’s Acting Director of Communicable Disease Control and Associate Medical Officer of Health.
“It is important to note that as the situation evolves, it is expected that this number will continue to change daily,” Dr. Michael Finkelstein said in a statement.
The individuals who contracted the disease worked at a hospital, community healthcare, and long-term care.
He said the public needs to adhere to public health’s advice of limiting social interactions as much as possible to protect essential city services.
Finkelstein said healthcare workers should also track how they feel closer and identify themselves to their manager if they feel unwell.
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
