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The second COVID-19 related death has been confirmed in Ontario after the Halton Region Public Health was notified of a death related to COVID-19.

The individual was a man in his 50s and is the second known death in Ontario related to COVID-19.

The man had was being treated at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Milton District Hospital and had an underlying health condition.

“This is the tragic proof that we need to work together as a community to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and taking action to protect yourself and those around you,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health.

“This is a larger community issue and I know that everyone joins me in extending their deepest condolences to his family at this time.”

Dr. Neil Rau, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Halton Healthcare, said, “Halton Healthcare extends our sincere condolences to the family and our thoughts are with them at this time. We want to reassure our communities that all of our infection, prevention and control policies and procedures were followed during this patient’s stay, consistent with the clinical presentation.”

Halton Region Public Health continues to urge residents to take all precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect the health of the community, especially those most at risk.

The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, stay home when ill, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub, clean and disinfect objects and surfaces and more.

It’s also important to do your best to keep at least two metres away from others and avoid all non-essential activities.

The Halton Region Public Health continues to focus on those most at risk of COVID-19 and their current priority is to hear from health care providers seeking or reporting information, those living or working in a healthcare setting or institution and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

If you have severe symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by regularly reviewing credible sources of information.

To get the latest information on cases in Ontario and to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19, please visit ontario.ca/coronavirus.