Ontario reports over 500 new cases of COVID-19 for second day in a row

Ontario is reporting 508 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the total case count in the province to 602,595.

This is the second day in a row where cases were reported above 500. However, it is down from the 563 cases reported Friday.

The seven-day average has climbed to 426 compared to last Saturday where the average was recorded at 353.

Three more deaths were recorded Saturday, which occurred within the last month.

However, the Ministry of Health removed three deaths from the cumulative toll due to data cleaning, therefore the death toll remains at 9,896.

The Ministry of Health also reported out of 508 people who tested positive for the virus, 203 people were hospitalized with 130 people in intensive-care units.

Out of the 130 people, 115 were among those who are not fully vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. The remaining 15 of the cases were reported among people who are fully vaccinated.

According to the latest provincial data, 76 cases were recorded in Toronto, 51 were recorded in Simcoe Muskoka, 49 in Ottawa, and 46 in Peel Region. All other public health units recorded under 40 cases.

Within the last 24 hours, 30,145 tests were completed. Test positivity climbed slightly to 1.9 per cent.

In Ontario, more than 11 million people among the eligible population (84.9 per cent) age 12 and higher are fully vaccinated. About 88.4 per cent of the eligible population have received at least one dose. More than 22.5 million doses have been administered since the rollout of vaccines began last year.

Health Minister Christine Elliot also tweeted that because of a technical issue, some COVID-19 data will be delayed.

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The province also reported 370 cases were deemed resolved. Total active cases now sit at 3,533.

Beginning Saturday, some Ontarians would be eligible to book a COVID-19 booster shot appointment.

Those who are aged 70 and older, healthcare workers or essential caregivers in congregate settings, people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and First Nations, Inuit, and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members are all eligible to book their booster dose.

— With Files from the Canadian Press