All COVID hospital outbreaks resolved

Niagara Health is reporting all COVID-19 outbreaks at its hospitals have been resolved, after having dealt with six outbreaks at four of its facilities last week.

As of Tuesday, 46 hospital staff and physicians were in isolation after potential exposure to the virus, down from 96 last week. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 2,403 hospital workers have tested positive for COVID-19.

Niagara Health reported the death of another patient who tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, while 25 patients were being treated for the virus — down from 67 a week ago. Two of those patients are in intensive care.

Across Ontario, 157 people were in ICU Tuesday due to COVID-19 and 890 in hospital after testing positive for the vuirus.

Niagara Region Public Health added three more deaths to its COVID-19 statistics Tuesday, for a total of 560 since the pandemic began. The deaths included two Niagarans aged 60 to 79 and one in the 80-plus age group.

Known infections in the region have dropped to fewer than 1,000 for the first time in months, with 861 reported Tuesday.

Active outbreaks have also decreased this week. Public health reported nine outbreaks throughout the region, down from 14 last week.

Five of the outbreaks are in longterm-care and retirement homes, including a new outbreak declared Tuesday at Shalom Manor in Grimsby. An outbreak at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre has been ongoing since May 12.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccinations provided by participating pharmacies and doctor’s offices, public health vaccination clinics continue to offer eligible residents first to fourth doses with or without an appointment.

A clinic is continuing at Canada One Outlet Mall in Niagara Falls until Sunday. One will return to The Pen Centre on May 30 and 31.