COVID-19 deaths in Ontario surpass 15,000

More than 15,000 Ontarians have died from COVID-19.

The grim milestone was reached late last week, but was not publicly confirmed at the time, as Ontario only updates its COVID-19 data on Thursdays.

The latest data suggests 105 new net new deaths were added to the pandemic in Ontario last week, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths over nearly three years of the pandemic to 15,087. became.

In Ontario, 10,000 people died on November 30th last year.

Note that while a surge in respiratory infections is overwhelming Ontario’s pediatric intensive care units, the number of adults testing positive for COVID-19 in hospitals may be declining .

The latest data from the ministry showed 1,390 COVID-19 positive people in hospitals as of Wednesday, down about 17% from a week ago.

The number of patients requiring intensive care unit care has also decreased by about 17% week-on-week to 119 today.

This is the lowest number since September 24th.

Meanwhile, the 7-day positive rate of PCR tests continues its recent decline, dropping from 13.73% last week to 11.6% this week.

On the surface, it’s good news, but warns Ontario’s healthcare system is still under strain as it faces the “triple threat” of RSV, influenza and COVID-19.

Speaking to CP24 early on Thursday, infectious disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogotch said that unfortunately, “we are entering a big flu season,” but people are getting their flu shots. He said that wearing a mask can protect himself.

“It started a little early this year and came out of the gate really quickly. Does that mean it’s going to finish a little earlier this year? We just don’t know,” he said. “But there are things that are under our control. increase.”

Public Health Ontario’s wastewater monitoring data suggests that levels of COVID-19 virus activity in the province have declined since late October, even as the spread of influenza and RSV continues to accelerate. increase.