The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit reported Wednesday one new COVID-19 death over the past week.
There have been 94 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started in March 2020 and there have also been an additional 37 people – an increase of one from last week – who had tested positive for the virus but died from complications attributed to other illnesses.
The HNHU does not release details on COVID-19 deaths.
The HNHU continues to report a drop in the number of people receiving care for COVID-19 in the area’s three hospitals.
On Wednesday, the health unit reported there were three people receiving care. One week ago there were eight people in hospital. There is still no one in intensive care.
For the weekend Dec. 6, there were 40 cases. That’s down from the 53 that were reported the week before.
In-patient capacities at the area’s three local hospitals have decreased from 105.3 per cent last week to 104.2 per cent while the ICU rate remains stable at 87.5 per cent. The rates are current as of Monday.
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 number of outbreaks in the area have decreased from last week. There are currently four outbreaks in high-risk settings – including a non-COVID-19 outbreak, at a retirement home, at a long-term care home and at an other congregate setting.
There were six outbreaks last week.
The HNHU has administered 237,515 doses of the vaccine. There are now 67,615 people who have completed their vaccine series. There have also been 30,506 booster doses administered.
The total number of doses administered in Haldimand-Norfolk is 278,558. Some residents of the area have received a dose outside of the HNHU area.
The percentage of people aged six months and older who are fully vaccinated sits at 76 per cent and at 78.4 per cent for those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine. There is 21.6 per cent of the population who are unvaccinated.
The health unit notes that data on vaccinations can be delayed up to 48 hours.
Vaccination clinics will be held at health unit office in Dunnville from 10 am to 3:45 pm on Thursday; and on Friday at HNHU Simcoe Office from 9 am to 3:45 pm
Visit hnhu.org/popup to book an appointment for a first, second or booster dose at one of the above clinics.
Health Canada has authorized the use of Pfizer pediatric vaccine for infants aged six months to five and also the Moderna bivalent vaccine as a booster dose to those aged 18 and older.
Health Canada has also authorized the use of a Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine for those aged five to 11 and a Moderna vaccine for those aged six months to five.
Those aged 18 and older are eligible for a booster (fourth dose). Boosters are recommended at an interval of five months (140 days) after the previous dose but can be taken after three months (84 days).
Anyone who has recently had COVID-19 is still eligible for a first, second or booster dose but should wait until they are out of isolation and symptoms have resolved.
Novavax is available to residents in Haldimand and Norfolk by appointment (email [email protected] or call 519-427-5903).
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.