Niagara Region Public Health reported 101 cases of COVID-19 today in the largest single-day increase since early May.
The increase saw the cases locally increase to 35 in Thorold, 152 in St Catharines and 131 in Niagara Falls.
19 patients are being treated in area hospitals after testing positive for the virus.
Among them are 14 unvaccinated patients and 5 fully vaccinated.
Earlier this week, one patient who was hospitalized with the virus passed away, bringing the region's death toll to 444.
The increases in the region come amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant, which prompted the provincial Government to announce reintroduced restrictions and capacity limits this week.
Locally, some changes were also announced this week in relation to the pandemic.
Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 21, visitors and Essential Care Partners to Niagara Health must show proof of vaccination (i.e. 14-days since second dose) before entering the hospital and only one person can be at a patient’s bedside at a time.
"These changes are a result of the evolving situation with the Omicron variant and will help us maintain the safest environment possible in the hospital," said the hospital system in a statement.
