Toronto man dies from coronavirus

Mar 22 2020, 8:16 pm

A Toronto man in his 70s is dead because of complications due to COVID-19, the city’s public health agency said Sunday.

The man travelled to the UK recently, where it’s suspected he caught the virus, Toronto Public Health said in a news release.

“Today is a very sad day for us and especially the family and loved ones of the man who passed away,” Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, said in a statement.

He was admitted to Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital on March 14, and died there on March 21.

This is Toronto’s first coronavirus-related death. Mayor John Tory issued a statement about it Sunday afternoon offering his condolences to the man’s family.

“I know the entire city will be saddened to learn this news,” Tory said.

It appears this is Ontario’s fourth coronavirus-related death, although the province hasn’t yet updated its coronavirus case website.

Ontario has seen 424 coronavirus cases as of Sunday morning, 220 of which are in Toronto, according to Toronto Public Health.

De Villa reminded people to adhere to public health’s social distancing guidelines to slow the virus’ spread and prevent more deaths. Those suggestions include:

  • Work from home, where possible
  • Stay home except to get essential supplies
  • Keep six feet away from others

“I’m asking everyone again to make every effort and take every opportunity to practice social distancing. Please stay home, stay safe and take care of each other,” she said.

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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