The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed three more COVID-19 related deaths in the region.
“Four people with COVID-19 have died in the region so far,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon in a media update. “It is important to note, deaths include anyone who has COVID-19 but it does not necessarily mean COVID-19 is the cause of death.”
Officials confirmed the first COVID related death in December in the Rainy River District.
“We do maintain death statistics and that’s updated daily on our website,” Young Hoon explained. “The death does not always mean it was caused by COVID-19, sometimes people die from other things and they also have COVID-19 coincidentally at the same time.”
***Health Unit Data Correction March 24 8 a.m.*** The Health Unit also confirms that two other people are currently in hospital with the virus. It had incorrectly stated there were 10.
“Particularly the Sioux Lookout area and Kenora area, individuals need to be very strict with following public health measures because there is a heighted risk.”
With the weather getting warmer Young Hoon says if you are going to gather with others, outside is a better option to physically distance and lower risk of transmission.
Under the Red-Restrict level, you may gather outside with up to 25 people while maintaining a two meter distance from those not within your household.
