Peel region reports first death due to COVID-19
BRAMPTON, ON. April 1– Peel Public Health has reported its first death related to COVID-19, the world’s first coronavirus pandemic. The individual, a Brampton man in his 70s, had underlying health conditions and was being treated at William Osler Health System in Brampton.
Any of loss of life is certainly tragic, but especially so in the midst of these difficult times. Peel Public Health extends our deepest condolences to the family,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Interim Medical Officer of Health at the Region of Peel.
“We are deeply saddened that a patient with COVID-19 has passed away at Osler’s Brampton Civic Hospital, and our thoughts are with the patient’s family during this difficult time,” said Dr. Frank Martino, Interim President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “Osler staff and physicians are working tirelessly and taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of our patients, teams, and the community. We are grateful for the continued support and cooperation of our community as we work together to fight the spread of COVID-19.”
In a statement, Peel Public Health reminds every resident of Peel that it is more important than ever to practice physical distancing. This means, avoiding physical contact and staying a safe distance of two metres or six feet away from other people.
Key steps for physical distancing include:
- Staying home as much as possible, leaving only for essential reasons (e.g groceries, medicines, or to seek medical attention.
- Cancelling group gatherings.
- Avoiding handshaking.
- Avoiding crowds, and places where people are close together.
- Working from home when possible.
- Choosing virtual get-togethers over in-person ones.
- Self-isolating if unwell, or if having returned to Canada in the last fourteen days.
Residents can stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Peel by visiting peelregion.ca and following us on Twitter and Facebook at @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
