THUNDER BAY - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has confirmed the first death related to COVID-19 in Northwestern Ontario.
According to the health unit, a man in his 50s passed away on Thursday night at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre from complications of COVID-19.
The health unit said the man had underlying health conditions and out of respect for the family, no further details will be released.
“This is a sad day. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who passed away,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, medical officer of health in a statement on the health unit website.
“This sad development will weigh heavily on people across our region. We all hoped that our community would be spared,” added Dr. Stewart Kennedy, incident manager of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s COVID-19 response. “We now hope for no more deaths related to COVID-19. Please, stay home if you can.”
There are 60 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Thunder Bay district.
The health unit said news of the first death related to COVID-19 is a somber reminder of the seriousness of this virus and is continuing to ask the public to do its part to stop the spread.
The public is reminded to stay home as much as possible, to practice proper hand hygiene, avoid touching your face, cover cough or sneezes with the crux of your arm or a tissue, and practice social distancing.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 807-625-5900 or toll free at 1-888-294-6630. For more information, visit the Thunder Bay District Health Unit website.
