Data continues to point to reduction in COVID-19 viral activity, even as influenza and RSV cases surge
Most public health indicators continue to point to a reduction in COVID-19 viral activity, even as Ontario’s pediatric hospitals struggle to manage an influx of patients with other upper respiratory infections, such as influenza and RSV.
The latest data released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday showed that the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has fallen to 1,166, with 130 of those people requiring treatment in intensive care.
That is down 16 per cent from this time last week when 1,390 people were testing positive for COVID-19 in Ontario hospitals, including 119 in intensive care.
Meanwhile, positivity rates also continue to tick down.
Over the last seven days, an average of 10.5 per cent of PCR tests processed by Ontario’s labs have come back positive, compared to 11.6 per cent the previous week and 13.7 two weeks ago.
Wastewater surveillance has now pointed to a reduction in COVID-19 activity since early November.
However, Public Health Ontario has warned that influenza activity has so far “exceeded the threshold” for the start of flu season and is starting to put pressure on hospitals.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore has also expressed concern about the “triple threat” posed by COVID, influenza and RSV amid news that some pediatric hospitals, including the Hospital for Sick Children, have already had to limit surgeries in a bid to free up capacity in their intensive care units.
“We have been talking about this since the spring of 2022. We didn’t need a crystal ball to see this coming. We knew it was going to be a challenging fall and winter and we are in the thick of it now,” infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch told CP24 on Thursday. “Sadly, I think we have to buckle up because it is going to be a very turbulent ride for the next few months.”
The latest data from the Ministry of Health suggests that the number of active COVID-19 outbreaks in the handful of settings with widespread access to PCR testing all fell week-over-week.
As of today, there were 64 active COVID outbreaks in hospitals (down from 80) and 122 active outbreaks in long-term care homes (down from 139).
But with numerous respiratory viruses now circulating the healthcare system is expected to face continued strain throughout the winter.
Speaking with CP24, Bogoch said that “it is clear that it is not 2020 anymore,” with most people either vaccinated or afforded some level of protection as a result of previous infections. But he said that people still need to make “smart decisions,” especially if they are at higher risk.
Ontario added 89 new deaths to its COVID-19 tally over the last week. The total death toll since the onset of the pandemic nearly three years ago now stands at 15,176.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.