Peterborough Public Health Reports Local Death from Severn Court Outbreak
Written by Communications, March 16, 2021
Dr. Salvaterra Shares Message of Healing Out to Community
Peterborough Public Health is saddened to report the first death associated with the Severn Court outbreak, the largest COVID-19 outbreak to date in the Peterborough area since the pandemic began. The individual was a male in his 30s who lived at Severn Court Student Residence. He was diagnosed with a COVID-19 variant of concern and hospitalized outside the region last week before passing away yesterday.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, and know that this is a painful tragedy for our entire community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “As the youngest person to die locally from COVID-19, it reminds us how serious this pandemic is, that youth are not immune from its worst outcomes, and that we all have a role to play in ending it to prevent future tragedies.”
Dr. Salvaterra acknowledged the high levels of outrage many in the community are experiencing with regard to the outbreak, and encouraged residents to speak with those they know or seek professional supports and limiting time on social media. “The need to express our feelings is very real, however I think engaging in forums like social media is not as healthy as talking with someone who you can truly relate to.”
For a list of mental health supports available for various age groups, please visit
www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or click here.
So far there have been 59 cases associated with the outbreak at Severn Court Student Residence, all of which have screened positive for a variant of concern. To date most cases have been resolved, and there are only five active cases that remain linked to the outbreak. The number of high-risk contacts linked to the outbreak has declined considerably, indicating that the outbreak is stabilizing.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391