A person has died in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak at the Amberwood Suites retirement home in Sudbury.
Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD), reported the death Friday afternoon. This is the third COVID-19 death to have occurred in the PHSD service area since the pandemic was declared back in March 2020. It is the first local COVID-19 death this year.
"Out of respect during this difficult time, no further details will be provided," said Sutcliffe.
“On behalf of Public Health, we offer our sincere condolences to family members, friends, and caregivers affected by this loss. We understand this news is difficult for all to hear, including for those who have loved ones living in retirement homes or long-term care,” said Sutcliffe.
“This sombre event reminds our community of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic and is a stark reminder of the seriousness to take action to protect others. As vaccine begins to arrive locally, the phased rollout will ensure those who need it most will be at the front of the line to receive it.”
Public Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Amberwood Suites retirement home following the report of a case of COVID-19 involving a resident on Jan. 5, said the PHSD release.
To date, there have been 35 cases of COVID-19 associated with this outbreak amongst 32 residents and three staff members at the retirement home. Public Health continues to work closely with the retirement home to protect residents and staff, the release continued.
Several Amberwood patients are still in the hospital, while others are self-isolating at the retirement home on Regent Street.
Previous to the death announced Friday, there were two other COVID-19s in Sudbury. One involved a woman who was a patient at St. Joseph’s Villa, who died at the end of April 2020. The first death was a man in his 70s who died in the first week of April after returning home to Sudbury from an international travel trip in March.
