KFL&A Public Health confirms first death from COVID-19 in region

KFL&A Public Health has confirmed the first death from COVID-19 in the region. A male in his 80s passed away on January 9, 2021, at hospital.

“KFL&A Public Health has received lab confirmation of the first death related to COVID-19 in the KFL&A region,” said the public health agency in a press release.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who died today,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health.

“This reinforces the reality of COVID-19 in our community and I urge individuals to do everything they can to prevent its spread, recognizing that many are at higher risk from the virus. Stay home as much as possible, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, and practise physical distancing.”

The total number of confirmed positive COVID-19 patients in the KFL&A region continues to rise following the holiday season with 53 cases, as of Sunday morning. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, KFL&A Public Health urges you to first self-isolate and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool or contact your health care provider to see if you need to seek further care.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre at Beechgrove Complex and Lennox & Addington County General Westdale Campus are available to anyone who believes they have been exposed to the virus, and testing is available by appointment only.

“In these stressful times, it is important that we remember that we are all in this together,” said KFL&A Public Health. “We all have a role to play to protect others and to decrease the impact of COVID-19 on our health care system. Now is the time to practice physical distancing by staying at home, not visiting others, keeping a 2 metre distance from others, washing your hands often, and self-isolating, as required.”