Markham woman in her 70s is York Region’s first COVID-19 death

Markham, ON., March 22. 2020 – York Region’s first COVID-19 related death sadly is a 72-year-old Markham woman, according to York Region health officials. She was the second reported coronavirus fatality in the GTA on Sunday after a Toronto man in his 70s passed away earlier at Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga.

York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karim Kurji, explained in a statement that the woman arrived on a flight from Los Angeles but she had also travelled to Tahiti and France.

The City of Markham resident arrived back at Pearson Airport on Saturday, March 21, 2020 and died shortly thereafter.

Kirji told said she was picked up at the airport by her son and daughter-in-law. After arriving at her son’s home, the woman collapsed, Kurji said. The son and daughter-in-law are now in isolation.

“York Region extends their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual,” said Dr. Karim Kurji. “This case speaks to the seriousness of the current situation and how as a community we need to continue working together to protect one another.”

York Region also reported seven newly-confirmed cases of COVID-19 earlier today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 44. This total count includes yesterday’s announcement of the confirmed case of a resident living in Markhaven Home for Seniors.

As part of the ongoing investigation and based on the expert advice from Public Health Ontario, a COVID-19 outbreak at the Markhaven Home for Seniors in the City of Markham has now been declared, which means anyone with symptoms at the facility is assumed to be a positive case of COVID-19. York Region Public Health continues to work closely with the staff and residents at Markhaven, and all long-term care centres in the Region.