If the over 200 new Covid-cases confirmed in Niagara on Thursday isn't enough of a reminder that the pandemic isn't over, the 90 Niagara residents who are hospitalized with the virus should be, Niagara Health says.
The hospital system reports five residents are in the ICU, as well as seven patients who have passed away since April 14.
'Our teams are currently managing eight outbreaks at our Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland sites and in our Extended Care Unit (ECU) at the Welland Site. In addition, 372 Niagara Health staff and physicians are currently self-isolating,' a statement from the hospital system said.
Niagara Health said it would not change its services at this time, but pleads with the community to give its staff room to work.
'Unfortunately, our staff and physicians are experiencing an increased number of disrespectful behaviours directed towards them,' the statement said. 'Every member of our community has been impacted by the pandemic. People are exhausted and discouraged, and this includes our staff and physicians who continue to provide care for those in need.'
Niagara Public Health reports 2,060 active cases in the region, but continues to stress that the number remains an underestimate of the true number of cases in the community. 531 Niagara residents have passed away after testing positive for the virus since the pandemic began.
