COVID has claimed 26 lives in May

Almost 50 per cent of Niagara residents have yet to receive third doses, Niagara Health says

Niagara Health has reported the deaths of more hospital patients who had contracted COVID-19, for the straight third day.

The hospital system said Wednesday that two patients died Tuesday. That’s following seven deaths reported earlier this week, for a total of 26 since the start of May.

There were 49 patients with COVID-19 in hospital, including one in intensive care — down from 58 patients being treated for the virus on Tuesday. Twenty-nine of the patients were being treated primarily for other conditions.

Meanwhile, active cases the virus continue to decrease across the region.

Niagara Region Public Health reported 1,056 known active infections Wednesday, down from 1,089 reported Tuesday, while the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the region since the pandemic still remained at 555.

Another outbreak of the virus was has been resolved leaving 11 ongoing, most at hospitals and longterm-care homes.

There are two outbreaks each at Niagara Falls and Welland hospitals, one in the St. Catharines oncology department and one at Port Colborne hospital. An outbreak at Hotel Dieu-Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre has been ongoing since Thursday.

In addition to vaccinations provided by participating pharmacies and medical offices, public health is continuing to run clinics for all people eligible for first to fourth doses of vaccine, with or without an appointment.

A clinic is running at The Pen Centre in St. Catharines daily until Saturday, and at Canada One Outlet Mall in Niagara Falls starting Sunday. A clinic is also planned at Port Colborne Visitor Information Centre on Friday.

More than 2,500 doses of vaccine were administered so far this week, but most were provided as secondbooster shots, while almost 50 per cent of Niagara residents have yet to receive third doses.

More than 2,500 doses of vaccine were administered so far this week