Signs that COVID-19 transmission is increasing at the EOHU

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While regional COVID-19 data remained relatively stable over the weekend, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit released new messages on Monday encouraging vaccination and recommending the continued use of masks.

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The number of related deaths in the region remained at 217 on Monday, as hospitalizations rose by one to seven. At present, no one is being treated in an intensive/critical care unit in the region.

Yet there are several signs that COVID-19 transmission is on the rise within the EOHU as we reach the two-week mark following the end of masking mandates and other restrictions, as well as the return of students. Kindergarten to Grade 12 March Break. .

The test positivity rate reported by EOHU rose 0.2% since Friday, to 13.2, the highest since mid-February, when the region was descending from high positivity rates induced by the Omicron variant. . It is also up from the low of 10 percent, mid-9 seen in mid-March.

Sewage test results posted on the EOHU website do not yet show any spikes for the virus, even the now-dominant Omicron B.2 in the province, but the latest health unit chart results are from March 23, almost two weeks ago.

Ontario data released over the weekend attributed another 94 cases to the EOHU, for a total of 14,402. The Standard-Freeholder continues to track and aggregate local COVID-19 data, including active cases in long-term care homes, as well as absenteeism reports for Cornwall/SDG schools. The data is available online, here.

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Booking a COVID-19 vaccine

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The EOHU added to its list on Monday three outbreaks of COVID-19 in congregate care facilities, at Heartwood long-term care in Cornwall, Chartwell McConnell in Cornwall and Place Mont Roc in Hawkesbury. These outbreaks are now on the rise, with a total of 10 reported outbreaks, including nine in the past week.

Ontario data on active cases in COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities, often several days late when the EOHU first lists an outbreak facility, still shows only that of care. long-term Champlain hospital in L’Orignal, where the number of resident cases increased over the weekend from 14 to 18, and the number of staff member cases increased from 10 to 13.

As for provincial data on reported school absences among students and staff in Cornwall and SDG schools/programs, there were still only three listed above 30% on Friday, but the number of schools with absenteeism between 20 and 30% reached 16 The data does not provide a reason for absence.

The EOHU reported 327 additional COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the region since Friday’s update, for a cumulative total of 463,352. While this is within the fairly consistent range since mid-February, the office Health issued a new message on Monday afternoon encouraging people to get vaccinated and for those who received their initial round to receive a booster dose.

Research on booster doses since the fall has shown that their effectiveness against severe illness, hospitalizations and death is higher than after the initial series ends and lasts longer. A list of how to reserve a dose locally is posted with each daily COVID-19 update, above.

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The health unit also recommends wearing a mask when in a crowded indoor space or in close contact with others whose vaccination status is unknown or who are medically fragile, making it the second best measure of prevention after vaccination.

Book a COVID-19 assessment: Note that test eligibility was updated on December 30.