The local health unit serving Renfrew County reported the first death linked to the novel coronavirus in the area west of Ottawa on Sunday.

In a news release, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit said a woman in her 90s died early Sunday morning at Pembroke Regional Hospital.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who died today,” Dr. Robert Cushman, the unit’s acting medical officer of health, said in the statement.

“I am asking everyone again to make every effort possible to ensure the safety of the community by practicing physical distancing and staying home.”

The news came about three days after the health unit reported that a woman in her 90s — a retirement home resident with “no recent history of travel” — had tested positive for COVID-19, marking Renfrew County’s first confirmed case of the virus.

The health unit added it’s doing case and contact management with the woman and Renfrew County paramedics.

According to its website, the unit serves Renfrew County, Pembroke, South Algonquin Township and most of Algonquin Provincial Park.

Ottawa has also reported one death linked to the virus.

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