SUDBURY -- A second person in the Algoma District has died of COVID-19, health officials announced Monday.

"It is with great sadness that today we are reporting the region’s second death related to COVID-19," the health unit said in a news release.

Out of respect for the family, no further information is being shared, the release said.

“I am deeply saddened that we have lost another life to COVID-19,” Dr. Jennifer Loo, medical officer of health, said in the release. “On behalf of Algoma Public Health, we offer our most sincere condolences to this person’s loved ones.”

In a Facebook post on Monday night, the North Shore Health Network said it was one of its patients that passed away. The organization has sites located in Blind River, Thessalon and Richard's Landing

The fatality highlights the seriousness of the virus, the health unit said.

"Now more than ever, we ask every Algoma resident to do their part to protect our community, by staying home and avoiding close contact with others."

There are currently 11 active cases in Algoma Public Health's region, out of 150 cases since the start of the pandemic. One person is in hospital with the disease.