A resident at Extendicare Kapuskasing has died of COVID-19.
“It is with great sadness that we have another tragic loss attributed to COVID-19 in the Porcupine Health Unit region," said Dr. Lianne Catton, PHU medical officer of health, in a statement.
It's the 10th death related to the virus in the Porcupine Health Unit region since the start of the pandemic.
While the health unit indicated the death is related to the outbreak, it didn't state if it's a resident or staff member.
Carmen Thoroski confirmed in a Facebook post today that her father, 93-year-old Aurele Marier, passed away after a fight with COVID-19 at Extendicare in Kapuskasing.
"Our thanks to the medical staff who attended him in his final days. Our family will cherish forever the memories he leaves with us," she wrote.
"One of his great passions was his cabin at Allen Lake where he was an avid fisherman. We still enjoy the cabin until this day. Our father contributed to his community by doing volunteer work for the Knights of Columbus as well as his church. He helped others by delivering meals to seniors. He will be deeply missed. His 5 five children and their families will remember him as an amazing person and great father."
An outbreak at the Kapuskasing long-term care home was declared Jan. 7. Since then, 19 cases have been identified in staff and residents at the home.
The last COVID-19 death in the Porcupine Health Unit region was reported in August.
In the news release, the health unit noted that while older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk, anyone can develop the infection.
“We need to continue to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our families, neighbours, co-workers and communities," said Catton.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst, and Hornepayne.
The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 information line can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
