The average level of coronavirus detected in Ottawa sewage fell for the first time since March 20 with the latest data from Tuesday (the bright red line in the chart below). It has increased 27 of the last 30 days.
The average is about 33 percent higher than the previous record in April 2021 and about 13 times higher than in early March 2022 before this sharp rise.
Researchers measuring and sharing the amount of new coronavirus in Ottawa sewage found that it sets a record for daily readings and the weekly average of April 7 to 11. The latest data is from April 12. (613covid.ca)
These records do not reflect the first wave of the pandemic when sewage was not monitored for traces of the virus.
Sewage is a key indicator of what the Ottawa Public Health (OPH) calls a significant COVID-19 surge in the city. Health officials advise people to take steps to protect themselves and others.
CLOCKS Ottawa Public Health Vacation Tips:
Vera Etches encourages smaller Easter gatherings, maybe even outside
With the high amount of COVID in Ottawa wastewater, Dr. Vera Ets urges residents to limit rallies for the third consecutive Easter. 0:52
Hospitals
Eighteen Ottawa residents are in local hospitals for treatment of active COVID-19, according to OPH on Thursday. That number is rising to about what it was last week after falling for four days.
Two of the patients are being treated in the intensive care unit.
Hospital records did not include patients admitted for other reasons that were subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Neither those admitted for prolonged complications of COVID-19 nor patients transferred from other health facilities are included.
This number has stabilized.
Ottawa Public Health has a number of COVID-19 hospitals showing all of the hospital patients who tested positive for COVID, including those admitted for other reasons and living in other areas. There were 64 on April 9th. (Ottawa Public Health)
Cases and outbreaks
Test strategies have changed based on the Omicron transmission variant, which means that many new COVID-19 cases are not reflected in current numbers. Public health monitors and reports only cases that occur in health care settings.
On Thursday, the OPH reported 287 more cases of COVID-19 than any other death.
The health unit also reported an increase in 48 health care cases, up from 29 a week ago. There are 14 cases in group homes and nursing homes.
The rolling weekly incidence rate of the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, expressed per 100,000 inhabitants, is about 120.
Tests and vaccines
At 18 percent, the average positivity rate for those who underwent PCR examinations outside of long-term care is high and stable. The average in these homes is about eight percent. This is not updated on Thursday.
As of Monday’s weekly update, 92 percent of eligible Ottawa residents have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 89 percent have at least two, and 62 percent of residents 12 and older have at least three.
About 17,700 fourth doses of the vaccine were given in Ottawa, not necessarily to residents.
Throughout the area
Ontario and Quebec are in the middle of another pandemic wave. Eastern Ontario has the highest regional wastewater average, according to the county science chart. Sewage data from the Kingston area includes steady, high levels in the city and another record high in the west. The sewage signal is stable in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) counties. The 55 local COVID hospitals in West Quebec are very much in the area. Three patients need intensive care. Eastern Ontario communities outside of Ottawa report approximately 45 COVID-19 cases. About 10 of them are hospitalized in the intensive care unit. None of these numbers include Hastings Prince Edward’s Public Health, which has a different measurement method. Renfrew County Weekly Update has a small increase to 15 hospitalizations, with three of these patients in intensive care. The three outbreaks of COVID are constant. Health experts say hospital admissions may not be as high due to immunity, both from vaccines and previous infections, and from antiviral therapies. Vulnerable people, including children, are still at higher risk for serious health problems. Dr. Paul Roumeliotis of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit said that while the number of cases is increasing, most cases have either mild or no symptoms. It credits the fourth dose of vaccine. CLOCKS EOHU weekly update:
