Today, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), confirmed the first two deaths due to COVID-19 in the health unit’s area. The female in her 70s and male in his 80s passed away from complications related to COVID-19 at the Pinecrest nursing home in Plantagenet on May 3^rd, which is currently dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19.

“I am saddened by this news. On behalf of the Board of Health and all EOHU staff, I am offering our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased residents,” said Dr. Roumeliotis. “This tragic news reminds us that we must continue to work collectively through personal hygiene precautions and community-based public health measures, like physical distancing, to contain the virus and limit the number of cases and deaths.”

The EOHU has made testing of long-term care home staff and residents a priority. Testing is ongoing and all long-term care homes in its jurisdiction are scheduled to have been tested by the end of the week.

Precautionary Measures Are Essential

The EOHU is reminding everyone across the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Prescott and Russell, and the City of Cornwall that precautionary measures are essential to protect the general public, including the most vulnerable, like seniors and people with pre-existing health conditions.

“While I acknowledge that social distancing takes a toll on the public, I am still urging people to stay home as much as possible and avoid all non-essential outings,” states Dr. Roumeliotis. “Besides protecting your family, it will help ensure that healthcare professionals can focus their efforts on those who need it most.”

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the EOHU recommends that you:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand
• Stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) away from others
• Stay home as much as possible
• If you’re not feeling well, do not leave your home unless it’s for medical reasons

For more information about COVID-19, please consult EOHU.ca/coronavirus and Ontario’s website at Ontario.ca/coronavirus.