The Chief Medical Officer of Health in Ontario is reporting a death in Ontario that is potentially linked to COVID-19.
The individual was a 77-year-old man who passed away on March 11 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie.
"This individual was a close contact of a positive case and COVID-19 was recently identified after death. The coroner's investigation is ongoing and more will be known about the specific cause of death in the days ahead,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, in a statement.
Williams said this is further evidence of the increasingly serious nature of the current situation.
“It is now more important than ever that we all take steps to reduce opportunities for transmission. By working together, we can make a difference in this outbreak and protect those among us who are most vulnerable to COVID-19," said Williams.