The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reported another four COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the region to 501.
Over the last 24 hours, two men and two women in their 70s passed away after testing positive for the virus.
"When the pandemic was first declared in March 2020, I don’t think any of us expected to still be counting cases and marking these tragic losses of life almost two years later. While each of us have suffered some kind of loss during this public health crisis, none more so than those who have lost a family member or dear friend to COVID-19," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit also reported an additional 359 confirmed cases. Due to recent testing eligibility changes, this number does not represent the full burden of disease in the community. Only vulnerable individuals and healthcare workers are eligible for testing at this time.
Local hospitals are treating 52 patients who have tested positive for the virus.
Windsor Regional Hospital has 44 patients in its care and 37 of them have been admitted primarily for COVID-19. Among the admitted patients, 25 are fully vaccinated, two are partially vaccinated, and 17 are unvaccinated. All six patients who have been admitted to the intensive care unit are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Erie Shores Healthcare has eight patients in its care who have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, seven are in hospital primarily for COVID-19 symptoms. Among the admitted patients, five are unvaccinated and three are fully vaccinated.
Throughout the province, there are 2,472 patients hospitalized who have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 338 are in the intensive care unit, an increase of 19 people from Thursday. According to Health Minister Christine Elliott, 232 of the patients in the ICU are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.
"As we collectively struggle to see the light at the end of this dark pandemic tunnel, please take a moment today to reflect on all those who will not see the other side with us. Get vaccinated, get boosted and continue to follow public health restrictions to save lives and reduce pressure on our dedicated health care workers,” said Dilkens.
The health unit is monitoring 11 long-term care or retirement home outbreaks and one hospital unit outbreak. Due to current testing eligibility, other outbreaks cannot be tracked at this time.