Ontario hospitalizations and ICU admissions down slightly, 19 new deaths
Posted March 3, 2022 10:35 am.
Last Updated March 3, 2022 10:58 am.
COVID-19 hospitalizations and new ICU admissions in Ontario have dipped slightly, with the province reporting 19 additional deaths related to the virus.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says 834 people are hospitalized due to COVID-19 as of Thursday. This number is down from 847 hospital patients confirmed on Wednesday.
The number of daily COVID-19 hospitalizations is the lowest in the province since December 29.
Elliott says 45 per cent of these patients were admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, while 55 per cent were admitted for other reasons but have since tested positive.
There are 267 patients in ICU, with 80 per cent of them in the hospital because of the virus. Provincial health officials note that 149 patients are on a ventilator — down from 165 a day ago.
That’s down slightly from Wednesday when Ontario reported 273 people in the ICU. Elliott says that only 20 per cent were admitted for other reasons but have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Ontario COVID-19 hospitalizations data as of Thursday, March 3, 2022.
The province is reporting 19 additional deaths after 27 were confirmed in Ontario a day ago.
Ontario health officials are reporting 2,262 new cases on Thursday but warn that number is likely underreported following changes to the province’s testing policy.
The province further lifted COVID-19 restrictions this week. As of March 1, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required at most restaurants, gyms and movie theatres. Nightclubs, sporting and concert venues can eliminate capacity limits and restrictions lift on social gathering sizes.
Some businesses, including restaurants and theatres, have announced the intention to continue enforcing proof of vaccination. This week, the Toronto Zoo said that a vaccine certificate system will remain in place until at least April to protect staff, guests, and animals more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.
Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Elliott recently said that mask mandates would likely be in place for at least two more weeks.
With files from Michael Ranger of CityNews
