COVID-19 numbers still low in Durham Region but one new death reported

COVID-19 numbers remain low in Durham Region but are trending in the wrong direction, with several statistics up slightly.

After reporting zero deaths for many weeks, Durham Region’s Health Department is also reporting one death during the July 2-8 period.

New cases are up a bit to 13 (from nine) and the number of people in hospital with COVID has shot up to nine from two. As well, the weekly incident rate (per 100,000 population) has risen to 1.8 from 1.2.

Outbreaks at local hospitals, long-term care homes and retirement residences remains at zero and the per cent positivity rate has dropped to 3.7 per cent from 4.5 per cent.

Wastewater testing is still showing signs of the virus in the community and high risk residents are still being encouraged to get another booster dose if it has been more than six months since their last shot.