Health officials in Chatham-Kent are reporting the municipality's first known death related to COVID-19.
The individual was a woman in her 80s who was being treated at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) since March 16. Her cause of transmission was listed as travel to the United States.
According to a media release from CKHA, she arrived at the emergency department where she was screened and tested for the virus. The woman was admitted to the hospital immediately due to the severity of symptoms.
"We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased patient. This death is a tragedy and underscores the seriousness of this pandemic," said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA. "I want to further assure our community that CKHA remains well-prepared to care for COVID-19 patients but we still need your help. Please stay at home if you can, practice physical distancing, proper cough etiquette, frequent hand hygiene and self-isolation for 14 days if you have travelled out of country."
Across Ontario, there is a total of 94 virus-related deaths being reported as of Saturday afternoon.
