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Fifth wave of COVID surpasses all over waves combined

March 31, 2022   ·   0 Comments

The fifth wave of COVID-19 has now surpassed all other waves of the virus combined in terms of people contracting the virus, according to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

That is despite the fact that “the approach to testing has been narrowed to those who live in congregate settings.”

There has been a total of 151 deaths in the fifth wave. The fifth wave has also had the highest rate of hospitalization.

“Over the past 11 weeks, we now have had an increase for the first time in our incidence of cases,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU Medical Officer of Health. “The incidence has gone up 36 per cent between the week of March 13 to 19, compared to the previous week. We’ve had 590 over that period of time compared with 433 cases the preceding week. The majority of these have been attributed to those who are over 65 years of age.”

The Province’s rate has actually decreased by one per cent during the same time frame.

Of those who contracted the virus during that same time frame, 13 per cent had not been vaccinated, 85 had received two or more doses, and two per cent were partially vaccinated with a single dose.

“You’re much more protected with vaccination, particularly with a third dose, but also with two doses, against severity compared with those who are un-immunized,” Dr. Gardner said. “Those who are un-immunized are four times more likely to be admitted to hospital, eight times more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, and three times more likely to die. It’s very important that people receive the immunization, but also very important that people know that transmission, can and does occur among people who are vaccinated. People need to exercise the other precautionary measures as well to avoid transmission.”

There is a slow downward trend in hospitalization in the region.

There are currently 20 people hospitalized in the region with COVID, down three from the previous week.

Four of those cases are in intensive care.

“People need to be aware the high degree of transmission happening now and exercising other precautionary measures,” Dr. Gardner said.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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