April 24, 2020 - Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is reporting the first death in the TBDHU region related to COVID-19.

A male in his 50s, with underlying health conditions passed away last night at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre due to complications from COVID-19. Out of respect for the family of this individual, no further details will be shared at this time.

“This is a sad day. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who passed away,” says Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health.

“This sad development will weigh heavily on people across our region. We all hoped that our community would be spared,” said 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.”

This somber event stresses the seriousness of the situation the TBDHU region is facing. Everyone has an obligation to do his or her part to reduce the spread of the virus in our region. Measures you can take to protect yourselves and reduce the spread of the virus to others. Wash your hands frequently for at least twenty seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand

Stay home if you are sick

Practice physical distancing by avoiding close contact with other people. This means staying at least 2 metres (6 feet) apart from others.

Clean and disinfect surfaces around you, especially high touch surfaces, for example phones and door knobs.

Test results are available directly from the provincial laboratory system through an online portal. This Online Portal to access COVID-19 test results was launched on Sunday by the Government of Ontario and offers fast and secure access to test results on a computer or mobile device.

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.

If individuals in self-isolation develop symptoms, they should contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at (807) 625-5900 or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630. For additional information about COVID-19 and the TBDHU area, please see the TBDHU Website and social media channels. Additional updates will also be provided as needed.

Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

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For more information - Health Unit Media: news@tbdhu.com.