A migrant worker in the Simcoe area has died as a result of COVID-19.
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit said the migrant worker was in intensive care at the time of his death. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, along with staff from the health unit and a member of the Catholic clergy, went to the farm where he worked to personally deliver the news on Saturday night.
“I’m extremely saddened at this loss of life,” said Kristal Chopp, chair of the Board of Health. “It’s an absolute tragedy that someone who comes to Canada to work in the agricultural industry and support his family back home loses his life so far from his loved ones. My sincerest condolences go out to the individual’s family during this difficult time.”
Details about the man have not been released.
Currently, the health unit said there are 199 positive cases among migrant workers and 18 cases among people associated with the farm.
This comes shortly after the health unit reported that another 12 migrant workers at Scotlynn Group farm had tested positive for the novel coronavirus after previously testing negative.
"The outbreak continues to be largely contained to the farm, and any close contacts of farm workers are in self-isolation," read a release from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.
The death of this worker also comes shortly after two migrant workers in Windsor-Essex died because of the virus.
