NEWS RELEASE
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK
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Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York has been notified of a death related to COVID-19. The individual, a female in her 70s, is the Region’s first COVID-19-related death.
The City of Markham resident returned from international travel on Saturday, March 21, 2020, and died shortly thereafter.
“York Region extends their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “This case speaks to the seriousness of the current situation and how as a community we need to continue working together to protect one another.”
York Region also reported seven newly-confirmed cases of COVID-19 earlier today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 44. This total count includes yesterday’s announcement of the confirmed case of a resident living in Markhaven Home for Seniors.
As part of the ongoing investigation and based on the expert advice from Public Health Ontario, a COVID-19 outbreak at the Markhaven Home for Seniors in the City of Markham has now been declared, which means anyone with symptoms at the facility is assumed to be a positive case of COVID-19. York Region Public Health continues to work closely with the staff and residents at Markhaven, and all long-term care centres in the Region.
“We now cannot rule out local transmission in York Region,” added Dr. Kurji. "These unfortunate signals are indications of progression of the virus in our community. Local transmission is defined as individuals who did not have close contact with a travel-related case or any known case of COVID-19.”
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our community, York Region Public Health encourages residents to avoid crowds, stay at home when possible and practice social distancing and maintain good hand hygiene. Even with newly confirmed cases, these measures will help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices
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