Chatham-Kent has lost another resident to COVID-19.
The same days as most provincial mask mandates are being dropped, Chatham-Kent Public Health is reporting a man in his 50s succumbed to the virus.
It marks the 59th death caused by COVID-19 in the municipality since the pandemic began.
In all, Public Health is reporting 18 new infections since the last update on Friday, lowering the seven-day average to 10 cases a day.
COVID outbreaks at two area retirement homes have now been declared over. There were a total of 26 cases at Wallaceburg Retirement Residence since February 25th, and 16 at Maple City Retirement Residence since February 23rd.
Two outbreaks remain active, one at Tilbury Manor Nursing Home and another at a group home.
There are nine COVID patients at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, five of whom are being treated primarily for the virus.
Just one COVID patient remains in critical care, in the hospital’s Progressive Care Unit.
Across Ontario, 551 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, 181 of whom are in intensive care.