COVID-19 numbers holding steady in Oshawa and Durham Region

COVID-19 cases in Durham Region held steady last week with 1,120 new cases – nearly identical to the previous week – and an incidence rate of 152.7 per 100,000, just a bit higher than the previous seven-day period.

The positivity rate from tests performed April 10-16 was exactly the same as the previous period at 16.9 per cent.

Hospital numbers are on the rise with 65 currently in hospital (one in ICU) versus 35 last week, while outbreaks at long term care homes, hospitals and retirement residences are down slightly to 15 from 17.

There are two new deaths from COVID-19 in Durham Region.

Absentee rates in schools and day cares are down a tiny bit but are on par with absentee rates from typical flu seasons pre-COVID. The absentee rates for child care centres was 6.2 per cent and in elementary schools the number is 6.5 per cent, which is still higher than desired. In secondary schools the rate is 4.5 per cent.