On Tuesday, the region reported a total of 162 cases of COVID-19 in Niagara - an increase of 13 from the day before.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer with Niagara Public Health said five people who tested positive had travel history, of which two were workers in the U.S.
Another five individuals who tested positive are linked to a previously confirmed case, largely connected to the outbreaks in the long-term care- and retirement homes according to Dr. Hirji, who adds two are still under investigation and one as ‘community transmission’.
Health officials say that they are remaining hopeful that the curvr might peak in Niagara soon with the decline in travel-related cases stemming from the imposed travel restrictions put in place a few weeks ago.
Niagara Health System reported a total of 9 deaths on Tuesday, the latest being two residents in Niagara Falls who died in hospital care on Sunday.
43 cases in the region have resolved.
Hirji said a total of 34 individuals in the retirement- and long term care homes have been infected by the virus in total after the first outbreak was declared just over a week ago.
That number also accounts for individuals who have died, of which there have been two at Seasons Retirement Community and at least one person from Lundys Lane in Niagara Falls.
Another outbreak was declared on the weekend at Shalom Manor in Grimsby.
While the outbreaks pose a big concern for health officials, who have warned the facilities could face a crippling shortage of personal protective gear if the supply lines remain fractured, Hirji said they are also very anxious to get in contact with anyone who might be displaying symptoms.
“Even if you have mild symptoms, a runny nose, a sore throat or cough, we want you to let your health care provider know so that we can test everyone we need to. That is how we will get control over this virus and not have it spread further in the community,” said Hirji.
