COVID-19 numbers in Durham on decline for first time in a month; death count hits 500

For the first time in a month COVID-19 numbers in Durham Region are showing signs of decline, though one new death puts the total number of people who have died from the virus since the pandemic began at 500.

The number of new cases of COVID in the period of July 24-30 was 421, down from 460 the previous period, and the weekly incidence rate of 57.4 per 100,000 and the per cent positivity rate of 12.3 per cent are also down from 62.7 and 13.3 respectively from the previous reporting period.

Outbreaks at Durham institutions such as retirement homes, long term care homes and hospitals are up to 15 (from ten), including the 18^th and 19^th outbreaks at Oshawa’s Hillsides Estates.

Hospitalization numbers are also up slightly, with 37 currently in hospital (from 32), while the number of people in ICUs is consistent at one.

COVID-19 numbers are released weekly by the Durham Region Health Department.