Third coronavirus-related death announced for Ontario

Ontario has just seen its third coronavirus-related death.

A press release from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit states that a man in his 70s being treated at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie has died as a result of COVID-19.

He marks the second death in the region, the third in Ontario, and the 14th death in Canada as of 3 pm EST on March 21.

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The release states that the man had been a close contact to the person who died of coronavirus at RVH on March 11.

“This is sad news and we are offering our condolences to the family. It speaks to the need to be more aware of the seriousness of the current situation than ever and that we, as a community, as organizations and as individuals, need to work together to protect one another,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health, in the release.

“I am urging everyone to follow social distancing recommendations and follow public health measures so that we can flatten the curve of this disease.”