Ottawa is back in high-risk respiratory territory because of an increase in new hospitalizations.
COVID-19 and RSV trends are generally seen as low in the weekly respiratory update from Ottawa Public Health (OPH).
Flu wastewater readings and hospitalizations remain very high as this flu season stretches into spring.
OPH said there were 17 new COVID, flu and RSV hospitalizations the week starting March 24, and 27 the week starting March 31.
The city’s health-care institutions were considered at higher respiratory risk from the end of August until the end of March.
Health official recommendations include people cover coughs, wear masks, keep hands clean, stay home when sick and keep up with vaccines to help protect themselves and vulnerable people.
COVID-19 in Ottawa
Ottawa’s recent coronavirus wastewater average is stable.
The weekly average test positivity rate in the city is around three per cent. There were 12 new COVID-related hospitalizations in the city and the active COVID outbreak count is five.
There have been two more COVID deaths reported in the capital.
OPH’s next monthly COVID vaccination update is expected in early May.
Across the region
In western Quebec, a stable 16 hospital patients have tested positive for COVID.
The Kingston area health unit is stable in high-risk respiratory territory. One more COVID death has been reported there.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit still rates its overall respiratory risk as moderate and stable.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health‘s weekly COVID hospital average is two patients.
Renfrew County‘s COVID trends are low and stable.
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark data goes up to March 31, when most trends were stable.