COVID case count drops sharply
Niagara’s 38 new cases was the second-lowest single-day count this year
Niagara reported 38 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, the second-lowest daily count this year.
Over the past seven days, the region has seen 329 new cases — less than half the 680 that were recorded in the week prior to that.
By comparison, three weeks ago Niagara routinely saw days in the 150-range for new cases, proof that heightened prevention methods and stay-at-home orders are having the desired effect — and of how badly the coronavirus had spread during its second wave.
Although students return to the classroom next week, Ontario’s emergency orders and stay-at-home measures remain in effect.
Public health officials continue to warn the progress Niagara has made could be wasted if people get lax in practising social distancing, staying home when possible and limiting social contacts outside the home.
On Thursday, Niagara Region Public Health noted four more COVID-19 deaths. In the past week there have been 29 deaths. Since the first death was reported in Niagara in midmarch 336 people have died.
On Thursday, there were 915 active cases across the region — again, an improvement over one week ago when there were 1,360.
Hospitalizations have also fallen. Niagara Health reported
Wednesday it has 39 COVID-19 patients in its care; in mid-january, there were about 80.
The number of outbreaks regionwide, however, has stayed mired in the 40s all week, with four new ones reported Thursday for a total of 45.
Currently, Welland hospital is the only Niagara Health site dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks. It has two, on the fourth floor and extended care unit.
Across Niagara, outbreaks are continuing at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines in 1 East and 2 West units, and at Grimsby’s West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the C Ward.
Outbreaks at long-term-care homes within the region include:
In Niagara Falls, R.H. Lawson Salvation Army Eventide Home, Oakwood Park Lodge, Chippawa Creek at Bella Care Residence (Willoughby and Vineyard units), Meadows of Dorchester, Monarch Memory Care, Millennium Trail Manor;
In St. Catharines, at Heatherwood Retirement Residence, Heidehof Home for the Aged, Radiant Care Tabor Manor long-term care, Tufford Manor, Royal Henley Retirement Residence, Tufford Nursing Home, Extendicare, Garden City Manor;
In Niagara-on-the-lake, at Niagara Long-term Care Residence (Riverview unit) and at Pleasant Manor long-term care and in Lincoln at Albright Manor;
In Welland at Rapelje Lodge (houses 400, 500) and Seasons Retirement Communities, and in Pelham at Lookout Ridge Retirement Community;
In Fort Erie at Crescent Park Lodge, and in Port Colborne at Northland Pointe (Starboard unit).