In a media statement released Tuesday evening by the Niagara Health Service, NHS President Lynn Guerriero announced the first known death related to COVID-19 in Niagara.
"It is my unfortunate duty to report that a patient being treated at Niagara Health for COVID-19 passed away earlier today," said Guerriero.
"On behalf of the hospital, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones at this extremely sad time."
The deceased was an 84-year-old resident of Ina Grafton Gage Village, in St. Catharines, who was infected through contact with a family member who had returned from traveling in Europe.
"Niagara Health has been planning for the arrival of COVID-19 in our community for months," said Guerriero. "We have a comprehensive plan in place to support the safety, health and well-being of our patients. We will continue to work with our experts and our regional, provincial and federal healthcare partners to make evidence-based decisions to ensure the hospital remains as safe as possible over the course of this pandemic."
Updated March 25 with details of the deceased.
