Risk level lowered to moderate

Peterborough Public Health lowered the COVID-19 community risk index to moderate (the third level on a five-level scale) from high on Wednesday as active confirmed cases and institutional outbreaks continue to ease.

The health unit reported two new COVID-19-related deaths from the past week; two vaccinated men, one in his 70s and the other in his 90s, raising the death toll to 78 since the pandemic began in March 2020. More than half of the deaths have come since the start of this year.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre had six admitted patients with the virus on Wednesday, down from nine on Tuesday.

The jurisdiction is down to nine active institutional outbreaks, down from 11 a week ago. The latest was declared Monday at an unnamed congregate living facility in the city. Three outbreaks continue at Centennial Place in Millbrook, two at Fairhaven long-termcare home along with outbreaks at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (Unit B5), Peterborough Retirement Residence and Extendicare Peterborough.

Another 97 PCR test confirmed cases since last Wednesday were reported while 158 were resolved. These cases are considered to be an underestimation now that PCR testing is limited.

As of Wednesday, 123,797 residents (84 per cent) have had at least one vaccine dose, 119,714 have had at least two doses (81 per cent) and 79,552 have had three doses (54 per cent).