Ontario COVID-19 hospitalizations hit more than 6-week low
Posted February 17, 2022 10:29 am.
Last Updated February 17, 2022 11:16 am.
Ontario is reporting 36 new COVID-19 deaths on Thursday as hospitalizations fall to the lowest point since Jan. 4.
There are 1,342 people in hospital due to the virus while the number of patients in ICU now sits at 356. Hospitalizations are down from 1,403 the previous day and from nearly 1,900 one week ago.
According to the Ministry of Health, 80 per cent of patients admitted to the ICU were admitted for COVID-19 and 20 per cent were admitted for other reasons but have since tested positive.
Source: The Ministry of Health
The province is reporting 36 deaths that occurred over the past 27 days, 16 of the deaths occurred in the previous three days.
Provincial health officials are reporting 2,327 new cases on Thursday. Officials warn that number is underreported following changes to the province’s testing policy.
Ontario increased capacity limits in most settings on Thursday as the province continues to roll back pandemic restrictions.
Indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required — including restaurants, gyms, and cinemas — can now operate full capacity and large spectator venues can return to 50 per cent capacity.
Gathering limits in most settings have increased to 50 people indoors and 100 people indoors.
The Ford government announced the accelerated reopening earlier this week citing improving COVID indicators and the province’s vaccination rate as reasons to rolls back restrictions.
