COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise in Windsor-Essex

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The number of COVID-19 cases in Windsor-Essex requiring hospitalization has continued to increase, according to a Monday update from the health unit.

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As of Monday morning, there were 61 people with COVID-19 in local hospitals — two of them requiring intensive care.

According to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s data, the disease metric has been on the rise for at least three consecutive weeks.

One week ago, the figure was at 44.

The health unit is currently counting 354 active “high-risk” cases in the region.

Monday’s update also added another fatality to the region’s overall COVID-19 death toll — with the deceased described as a man in his 80s who resided in the community.

The man’s passing brings the total number of people in Windsor-Essex who have died from COVID-19 to 597.

Active outbreak situations in the region have also risen: The health unit is currently monitoring 21 outbreaks — 12 of them in long-term care facilities or retirement homes, four in hospital units, and five in the community.

The region’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has barely changed in recent weeks. 83.5 per cent of Windsor-Essex residents ages five and older have received at least two doses. 51.1 per cent of residents ages 12 and older have received a third dose/booster shot.

Eligibility for fourth doses opened last week for adults ages 60 and older and indigenous persons 18 and older, provided at least 140 days have elapsed since their third dose. Find out more at wevax.ca.