COVID-19 hospitalization numbers in Haldimand-Norfolk remain stable.
The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Haldimand-Norfolk remains at nine as of Wednesday, the same number that was reported by the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit on Monday.
Of those in hospital two are in intensive care units, which is unchanged from Monday.
According to the HNHU’s website, the in-patient occupancy rate at the area’s three hospitals has decreased from 79.2 per cent to 77.2 per cent while the intensive care unit rate has gone from 30 per cent to 40 per cent
The noted occupancy rates are current as of Monday. The HNHU’s website only provided data up to that date with the health unit noting that occupancy data lags by approximately 48 hours.
Capacities are based on the percentage of beds that are full at any time, regardless of the reason for admission. There are 164 in-patient beds at Haldimand-Norfolk’s three hospitals and 10 ICU beds.
The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 refers to local residents who were admitted due to COVID-19.
The HNHU was reporting Monday 36 new COVID-19 cases over the past 48 hours but health officials have said the number is more than likely higher due to limited testing.
According to the HNHU’s website a 16th person who tested positive with COVID-19 has died from complications attributed to other illnesses. No other details were released by the health unit.
There have been 70 deaths directly attributed to COVID-19 in the area.
As of Wednesday there were two outbreaks at high-risk settings in the area, at a location listed as an other congregate setting and at a long-term care home.
The HNHU has administered 201,328 doses of the vaccine and there are now 67,230 people who have completed their vaccine series. There have also been 29,371 booster doses administered.
The total number of doses administered in Haldimand-Norfolk is 237,629. Some residents of the area have received a dose outside of the HNHU.
The percentage of people aged five and older who are fully vaccinated sits at 79.1 per cent and at 81.8 per cent for those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine. There is 18.2 per cent of the population who is unvaccinated.
The health unit notes that data on vaccinations can be delayed up to 48 hours.
Walk-in vaccine clinics are now being offered for those aged 12 and older Monday through Friday at the Norfolk General Hospital from 8 am to 3 pm There will also be clinics on Thursday at Jarvis Library from noon to 4 pm and at Port Dover Library on Friday from noon to 4 pm
The GO-VAXX Bus will be at Langton Arena on Thursday from 1 to 7 pm
Visit hnhu.org/popup to book an appointment at one of the above clinics.
Those who can’t get to a vaccine clinic can call 519-427-5903 to request free transportation.
There is also a homebound service for individuals who have difficulty leaving their homes. This program involves two healthcare professionals visiting homes and administering first and second doses in Haldimand and Norfolk.
Visit www.hnhu.org/homeboundvax or call 519-427-5903 for more information on the program.
Visit www.hnhu.org/covid19vaccine/ for more information and for full details about vaccine rollout in Haldimand and Norfolk counties and covid-19.ontario.ca/ for more information on the rollout in Ontario.
The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and Grand Erie District School Board are reporting the percentage of absences for students and staff at each of its schools. The numbers are based on those who attend in-person learning.
Visit tinyurl.com/5n9ajcnw for the full list of BHNCDSB schools and absences.granderie.ca/ for the full list of GEDSB schools.
On Wednesday, Public Health Ontario reported 778 people in hospital and 165 people in intensive care.
The province reported 2,814 new cases over the past 24 hours although that number is likely underreported due to limited access to testing.
There were 13 new COVID-19 deaths reported on Wednesday and there have now been 12,427 deaths in the province since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020.