COVID-19: MLHU reports 20 cases, death of man in his 70s

'It's a really important reminder that for those in those high-risk groups that ... a third dose is very important,' said Dr. Chris Mackie following the latest COVID-19 fatality.

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The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) reported 20 COVID-19 cases and another death on Thursday.

The death involved a man in his 70s who was not associated with a long-term care or retirement home. Medical officer of health Dr. Chris Mackie said Thursday that while the man was fully vaccinated, he was eligible for a third dose.

“The issue here was that this is someone who’s eligible for a third dose because of a suppressed immune system, but had not yet had that third dose,” said Mackie.

“It’s a really important reminder that for those in those high-risk groups that we know, based on research, have a lower immune response to the vaccines: a third dose is very important.”

A list of who is currently eligible for a third dose is available on the health unit’s website. Mackie noted that the list is expected to expand “soon.”

The death comes a day after another death involving a man in his 70s, though it is believed the man, in that case, was unvaccinated.

The region’s total case count has risen to 14,344, with 13,908 recoveries (an increase of 13), 101 active cases (an increase of six) and 245 deaths.