Any doubt about the seriousness of COVID-19 should be long gone after the realization that a Durham man who died from it was not only just 48-years-old, but had no underlying health issues or recent travel history.

The man worked at the Gibb Street Superstore in Oshawa and tested positive for COVID-19.

On Thursday, at a press conference, Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe confirmed his death.

He was hospitalized in Oshawa on March 19 and died March 25.

He is the third COVID-19-related death in Durham.

The Durham health department confirmed they aren’t aware of any underlying health issues.

Sources close to family also say they weren’t aware of any health issues before he became infected.

Durham’s second death was also reported on Thursday.

A man in his 80 with a history of travel was hospitalized at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on March 23 and died March 24.

“We are truly saddened to learn of these two additional deaths in our community,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health. “Our sincere condolences are extended to the families of these two individuals and our thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.

“As we know, the third case had no known travel history, which indicates that community spread is occurring. We implore everyone to be especially vigilant and continue to encourage all area residents to take the practice of social and physical distancing very seriously. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others in our community. Everyone’s help is urgently needed, and we have to work together to ensure community safety.”

The Durham health department is urging everyone to take precautions to help stop the spread of the virus.

They say keep at least two metres away from others is one of the best things you can do.

Some other recommendations are as follows:

Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer even when hands are not visibly dirty.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow and encourage others to do the same.

Wash your hands after handling nose and throat secretions (e.g. after throwing out used facial tissues).

Avoid touching your face and cleaning hands before touching eyes, nose or mouth.

Clean and disinfect surfaces, especially those that are high-touch areas.

Do not share water bottles, straws, eating utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, toys or anything else that has been in contact with saliva, nose or throat secretions.

If you are ill, stay at home and keep yourself away from others.

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

If you are ill and must visit a health care provider, call ahead or tell them right away when you arrive that you have a respiratory illness and wear a mask while waiting to be seen.

Practice physical distancing: do your best to keep at least two metres (six feet) away from others.

If you are able, avoid all non-essential activity as recommended and declared by the province of Ontario.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care.

to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance, call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your health care provider. You can also call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

There are 52 coronavirus cases in Durham Region.