MLHU reports 22 new COVID-19 cases, but high staff vaccine uptake
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting 22 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, and a concerning rise in cases among pediatric patients.
The region now has a total of 13,885 cases and 238 deaths, with 13,443 cases resolved leaving 204 active. There are 4,232 cases with a variant of concern.
Over the last six weeks, 82.3 per cent of cases have been among the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or those not yet protected by vaccination. The same group accounts for 88.2 per cent of hospitalizations and 85.7 per cent of deaths.
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) reports it is has 11 inpatients with COVID-19 with fewer than five in critical care. Five or fewer staff have tested positive.
There are four ongoing outbreaks in the region, at St. Thomas More Catholic School, École élémentaire La Pommeraie, Oakcrossing Retirement Living and Earls Court Village nursing home.
Over the last 10 days, 29 cases have been reported at 22 schools and child care centres.
The health unit says they have seen a worrying rise in cases among the pediatric population, but it is not connected to the return to school.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie said, "We've had new data showing significantly high rates of COVID in young people, in particular children age zero to 11 and aged 12 to 17, I need to be very clear -- these are not related to school opening."
MLHU also revealed Thursday that 99 per cent of permanent health unit staff have had at least on dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 96 per cent are fully vaccinated. Among all employees, over 90 per cent have at least one dose.
REGIONAL COVID-19 COUNTS
Here are the most recently available numbers from other local public health authorities:
- Elgin-Oxford – two new, 50 active, 4,241 total, 4,105 resolved, 86 deaths
- Grey-Bruce – one new, 17 active, 2,306 total, 2,263 resolved, 22 deaths
- Haldimand-Norfolk – five new, 32 active, 2,902 total, 2,816 resolved, 48 deaths
- Huron-Perth – three new, 72 active, 2,129 total, 2,037 resolved, 65 deaths
- Sarnia-Lambton – 12 new, 59 active, 3,796 total, 3,668 resolved, 69 deaths
Ontario health officials reported 677 new COVID-19 infections Thursday, the fourth day in a row of counts below 700.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
Two men have been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for their roles in the blockade of the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta.
Quebec village preparing for 370 per cent hike in property taxes
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney to join Liberal Party as special adviser
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney will be joining the Liberal Party as a special adviser. In an official press release on Monday, the party says Carney will serve as the chair of a leader's task force on economic growth.
BREAKING Harvey Weinstein undergoes emergency heart surgery
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was rushed to a hospital from a New York City prison on Sunday and underwent heart surgery on Monday, his representatives said.
John and Matthew Gaudreau are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends at their funeral
John and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered as loving brothers and husbands who put family above hockey and everything else at a tearful funeral held Monday, a week and a half after they died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
BREAKING 'Peter Nygard is a sexual predator:' Former fashion mogul sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentence was handed to Nygard, 83, by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein in Toronto on Monday. Last November, a jury found Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a six-week trial.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 'doing what I can to stay cancer free' after finishing chemotherapy
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has said she has completed her chemotherapy and is 'doing what I can to stay cancer free,' as she plans to return gradually to public life in the months ahead.
opinion Princess of Wales, after gruelling chemotherapy, offers words of hope for fellow cancer patients
Royal commentator Afua Hagan says the Princess of Wales' announcement that she's completed her course of preventative chemotherapy marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the illness discovered following abdominal surgery earlier this year, and a massive relief for the Royal Family.