DAN CEARNS The Standard
UXBRIDGE: North Durham’s first COVID-19 related death occurred in Uxbridge. Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton announced the news in a Facebook post on Thursday, April 2nd. “Folks, this virus is here. We no longer have to assume it is among us,” the mayor wrote. “Unfortunately, I must announce today that the Township of Uxbridge has experienced our first community loss due to COVID-19. We received word today, April 2nd, that one of our senior residents succumbed to the COVID virus after being in isolation for 14 days. I offer my personal condolences to the family and friends who are experiencing this loss. Please know that this community is mourning with you, and you have our sympathy.” As of press time, Uxbridge has four confirmed cases of COVID-19, with one person hospitalized, one person in home isolation, one case resolved and one death related to the virus. In Mayor Barton’s post, he had a message for residents. “It is as critical as ever to practice physical distancing in public, and to stay at home unless you really need to go out. If you are vulnerable, such as being over 70 years of age, or with underlying health conditions, please self-isolate to protect yourself. Everyone, self-isolate to protect the vulnerable. This seems like a small thing to ask you to do when the stakes are so high,” he stated. Though the mayor added he doesn’t believe “cases are widespread in the Township,” and right now “the virus seems contained and isolated.” The Region of Durham Health Department has launched a COVID-19 case tracker. To access it, go online to www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx and click on the ‘Status of cases in Durham Region’ button.