‘Sombre milestone’: COVID-19 death toll in York Region continues to climb

Thestar.com
Aug. 29, 2022

As families continue to enjoy what’s left of the summer weather and quickly turn to their attention to the back-to-school frenzy, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to roar it deadly head in the shadows.

This month, York Region marks a sad pandemic milestone -- more than 1,000 residents have died as a result of COVID-19.

As of Aug. 26, York Region public health reported 1,010 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

“I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of all residents who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus,” said regional chairperson and CEO Wayne Emmerson in a statement on behalf of York Regional Council and the Regional Municipality of York.

“This sombre milestone serves as a stark reminder that COVID-19 remains active in our communities and has significantly impacted all residents over the last several years.”

This sombre milestone seems particularly hard-hitting as twice this month public health reported five deaths within a matter of days.

So far this year, there have been 220 deaths as a result of COVID-19 -- a little more than half of the 420 deaths reported during the first year of the pandemic in 2020. In 2021, public health reported 370 COVID-19 deaths.

But the sombre reality is the wake of the pandemic is not evenly felt across the region.

A little more than three-quarters of COVID-19 deaths in York Region occurred in those in their 70s, 80s and 90s across the region.

And about 57 percent of deaths have occurred in men.

Protecting the health and safety of residents remains a top priority for regional council and public health, Emmerson said.

“Each life lost is a stark reminder that we all have a critical role to play in slowing the spread of this virus and bringing an end to the pandemic,” he said.

Vaccination continues to be the one of the best lines of defence against COVID-19, Emmerson added, and one that reduces the impact on the region’s most vulnerable.

More than 86 per cent of York Region residents age five and older have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses.

More than 90 per cent of residents age 60 and older have received two doses.

Close to 60 per cent of residents age 12 and older have received three doses.

Another way to help protect the most vulnerable is by carrying a mask with you at all times, Emmerson said.

While not mandatory, masking is a simple tool to slow transmission, especially in crowded or confined spaces.

“On behalf of York Region’s 1.2 million residents, I share our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones who lost their lives to COVID-19,” Emmerson said.

“We honour each and every one of these individuals by reaffirming our commitment to protecting the health and safety of all who live and work in our communities.”