All COVID-19 deaths in York Region are over the age of 70

By: Mike Anderson

While the majority of COVID-19 infections in York Region are aged 55 to 64 (24 per cent) followed by 20 to 34-year-olds (19 per cent), all of the fatalities from the disease are over the age of 70.

This grim fact underlines the serious threat that COVID-19 poses to Ontario seniors. Those aged 65 to 79 now account for 14 per cent of cases, and those 80 and over represent seven per cent of cases in York Region.

Two of the deaths were from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the Markhaven Home for Seniors in the City of Markham; further highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable populations in York Region’s long-term care facilities.

The following details on the six fatalities was recently provided to the Post by York Region Public Health as of April 1.

Death 1

The City of Markham resident, a female in her 70s, returned from international travel on Saturday, March 21, 2020 and died the same day. She was the Region’s first COVID-19 related death.

Death 2

The individual, a female in her 80s, is the Region’s second COVID-19-related death. The City of Vaughan resident passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Death 3

The Region’s third COVID-19 related death is linked to the previously declared COVID-19 outbreak at the Markhaven Home for Seniors. A male in his 80s is the Region’s third COVID-19-related death. He was a resident at Markhaven Home for Seniors in the City of Markham and passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Death 4

The fourth death is an individual who was a close contact to the individual who passed on Thursday, March 26, 2020 (Death 2) and announced as York Region’s second COVID-19 death. They lived in the same household in the City of Vaughan.
A 100-year-old female from the City of Vaughan is the Region’s fourth COVID-19-related death. She passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Death 5

A 79-year-old male is the Region’s fifth COVID-19 related death. He resided in the City of Markham and died at Markham Stouffville Hospital on Monday, March 30, 2020. This individual first developed symptoms on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. He was in close contact with another confirmed case, residing in the same household.

Death 6

The Region’s sixth COVID-19 related death is a 92-year-old male. He was a resident at Markhaven Home for Seniors in the City of Markham and passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.