A Fully Vaccinated Elderly Woman Died After Testing Positive For COVID-19 In Kitchener
She was living at a long-term care home at the time.
A fully vaccinated woman in her 90s died from COVID-19 while living at a long-term care facility in Kitchener, Ontario, according to the Region of Waterloo. This is the region's first report of someone who had received both vaccine doses dying from COVID-19.
The Village of Winston Park currently has a COVID-19 outbreak with three other residents reportedly testing positive for COVID-19 as of June 18. Currently, there is no report on whether a variant of concern was involved.
"This person's death is a tragic reminder of the toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on families and the community," said Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Rabia Bana.
"Death is a very rare outcome in fully immunized individuals. I encourage everyone in Waterloo Region to remain vigilant. Members of the public need to continue to follow public health guidance and get immunized as soon as possible," Dr. Bana explained.
"Vaccines along with public health measures are still our best protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant which is circulating in our community."
The long-term care facility said the resident was only showing mild COVID-19 symptoms prior to her death. "As we have seen through the course of the pandemic, the virus can change quickly and our deepest condolences are with loved ones and team members facing this loss today," reads the facility's statement.
Ontario is currently ramping up second vaccine doses this week to residents. Anyone who lives in a Delta variant hot spot, or has received their first mRNA vaccine on or before May 9 or May 30 will be able to book their second doses on June 21 and June 23 respectively.
Waterloo region is battling the Delta variant
In a press release last week, the Waterloo region revealed that the spread of the Delta variant had become a problem within its community.
"The Delta variant is here and spreading rapidly in our community. However, we can stop the spread together and keep our case rates down by getting fully vaccinated as quickly as possible and following public health guidance and measures," reads the statement.
In fact, the region revealed that if case numbers can't be controlled, it may not be able to move into step two with the rest of the province.
On Sunday, the Waterloo region had the highest amount of new daily cases of COVID-19, reporting 51. Peel and Toronto followed close behind with 49 and 45 new cases.