6 more COVID-19 deaths in London area as hospitalizations remain high on Thursday
There are 166 patients with the virus in local hospitals, including 23 in critical care
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting six additional deaths of people with COVID-19 on Thursday.
Of the deceased, four were fully vaccinated, including three who had a booster dose. Two of the deceased were unvaccinated.
The latest death include:
- 60s, male, associated with long-term care who was fully vaccinated with a booster.
- 60s, male, who was fully vaccinated.
- 80s, male, who was fully vaccinated with a booster.
- 80s, female, who was unvaccinated.
- 90s, female, who was unvaccinated.
- 90s, male, associated with long-term care who was fully vaccinated with a booster.
There have now been 21 COVID-related deaths in Middlesex-London in January. The death toll since the pandemic began is now up to 280.
The MLHU reported 239 new cases of COVID-19, though the health unit is only tracking testing for people in high-risk jobs or settings. The seven-day rolling average for daily cases is down to 247.
The health unit announced Thursday that appointments are no longer needed to get a shot at the Earl Nichols mass vaccination clinic site.
The clinic, located at 799 Homeview Road in London, is available for anyone five years of age or older to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
"It is critical that five to eleven-year-olds get vaccinated. With the ongoing COVID-19 transmission we're seeing, having our children receive the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important steps we can take to protect them and our community," said Mary Lou Albanese, Director of Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases with the MLHU.
Vaccination appointments can also be made online for other vaccination clinics in the region.
Hospitalizations remain high in London
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is reporting 166 inpatients on Thursday, up five from the previous day.
Of the total, the hospital network says:
- 87 patients are being treated for COVID-19.
- 79 patients tested positive for the virus upon being admitted for other treatment.
There are 23 patients who require critical care, down by one from the previous day.
There are eight ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks within the hospital network. For a full list of units impacted at Victoria Hospital and University Hospital, visit their outbreak reporting page.
COVID-19 across the region and beyond
Southwestern Public Health is reporting 47 patients with COVID-19 in hospitals in Elgin-Oxford, including nine in critical care.
The health unit posted 59 new COVID-19 infections on Thursday, and no additional deaths. There are 846 known ongoing cases in Elgin-Oxford, with the majority in Woodstock (256 cases) and St. Thomas (239 cases).
Meanwhile, Ontario is reporting 4,061 COVID-19 hospitalizations, including 594 patients in intensive care units. It's the second day of declines in admissions.
The province also announced the easing of pandemic restrictions will start on Jan. 31. Indoor settings will reopen with 50 per cent capacity for places like restaurants, gyms, movie theatres, museums and houses of worship.