1 death, COVID-19 hospitalizations climb in London, Ont., on Monday

Another COVID-19-related death was reported in Middlesex-London on Monday, as hospitalizations continue an upward trend.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) said a man in his 80s from a retirement home died with the virus. There have now been four deaths with COVID-19 in April as cases among high-risk occupations and settings increases.

There were 266 new high-risk COVID-19 cases reported since Friday, bringing the seven-day rolling average to 98. The number of known active cases is up to 1,041 - an increase of more than 62 per cent from the same day last month. The actual number of cases in the community is estimated to be much higher.

While the most recent data shows an increase in cases following the lifting of some health protocols, local health officials are encouraging measures to slow the spread.

"Wear that mask when you're in indoor events, when you are out and about, even if it is not required, it is still a simple, cost effective way to protect yourself and limit your risk," said Dr. Alex Summers, the region's medical officer of health.

Local vaccination rates are up to 91 per cent for residents aged five and older with one dose, and 88.1 per cent for those fully vaccinated.

The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) posted 47 patients with COVID-19 in local hospitals on Monday, up by six since Friday and more than double the number in care three weeks ago.

The number of people being treated specifically for the virus is 20, while 27 other patients tested positive while being admitted for other ailments. There are five or fewer patients with COVID-19 in intensive care.

There are currently 288 LHSC staff who have tested positive for the virus and are isolating, down by six since Friday.

There is currently one outbreak at Victoria Hospital in the D61 Medicine unit, which was declared on Apr. 9.

Ontario is reporting 1, 090 people in hospital with COVID-19 on Monday, up from 977 the day before and 857 on the same day last week.

There are 184 patients in intensive care, up from 173 the previous day. The province says 82 patients require a ventilator to breathe.

The Ministry of Health reported another 2,401 COVID-19 cases through limited PCR testing, with a test positivity rate of 17.6 per cent.

There were three additional deaths province-wide, a total of 12,566 since the pandemic began.