HPPH continues to stress caution amidst seventh wave of COVID

Five more deaths attributed to virus in region, 43 fatalities reported in 2022

HURON-PERTH – The seventh wave of COVID-19 continues in Huron-Perth. Sadly, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is reporting five more deaths due to COVID-19, as well as three hospitalizations and six outbreaks in highest-risk settings.

“Even though we are in a much better position against COVID-19 now than we were two years ago, COVID-19 remains a serious infection,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health. “HPPH sends our condolences to the loved ones of the individuals who have passed away. So far in 2022, 43 people in Huron-Perth have passed away due to COVID-19. We are seeing high rates of community transmission in this seventh wave and we ask everyone to make decisions to protect themselves and our community’s vulnerable members.”

The five deaths were connected to two outbreaks in long-term care facilities. As of last Thursday, HPPH reported an additional 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in high-risk individuals in the last week.

Since PCR testing is limited only to high-risk individuals, the number of people in Huron-Perth who have COVID-19 is much higher than confirmed case counts.

Since March 2020, 117 Huron-Perth residents have died due to complications related to COVID-19.

Regionally, three active long-term care home outbreaks were reported as of July 28. Maitland Manor in Goderich had 68 people affected (53 residents, 15 staff); Ritz Lutheran Villa in Mitchell had 29 (18 residents, 11 staff); and Huronview in Huron East had four residents affected.

Locally, the Livingstone Manor retirement home in Listowel reported six residents and one staff member affected.