Three new COVID deaths in Durham – most other signs positive

There were three deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Durham Region last week, the highest total in many weeks.

Hospital patients diagnosed with the virus remain high at 70 and there are an alarming number of people – seven – in ICU. All other signs were positive, however, with new cases falling to 795 last week from 1,046 the previous week and institutional outbreaks dropping from 28 to 19.

Five of those outbreaks were in local hospitals – two in Lakeridge Health Oshawa – and a sixth outbreak was at Ontario Shores, which is a bit concerning.

The incidence rate per 100,000 dropped significantly from 142.6 to 108.4 in the seven-day period from April 24 to April 30 and the positivity rate went down to 14.6 per cent from 16.3 per cent.

The absenteeism rate at schools and child care centres remained constant and normal for this time of year at 7.0 per cent (child care), 4.4 per cent (elementary schools) and 3.4 per cent (secondary schools).