Ottawa Public Health reporting slight increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reporting a slight increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations on Tuesday, Sept. 13. 

In its latest COVID-19 update, which is now provided every Tuesday and Friday, the health unit is reporting 25 people in hospital with the virus. In its last update on Friday, Sept. 9, OPH reported 23 people in hospital with COVID-19.

In its update today, the health unit is also reporting one person in intensive care units (ICUs) and two new COVID-19 related deaths.   

There are 167 new COVID-19 cases reported today, down from the 178 reported last Friday.  

The new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine is available to vulnerable residents and everyone over the age of 70, with all remaining adults eligible as of Sept. 26.

“The bivalent COVID-19 booster is another layer we can use to increase protection against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variants in Ontario,” said Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa's medical officer of health in a statement. “Ottawa Public Health welcomes this announcement amid ongoing COVID-19 activity in our community and potential increases this fall.”

Etches said over the next few weeks, OPH is prioritizing the rollout of this booster to communities at highest risk for severe illness, complications and hospitalization from COVID-19. OPH is working with its community partners to ensure the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine can reach those most at risk. 

“As vaccine protection and immunity from previous infection decrease over time, I strongly encourage all residents of Ottawa to get all booster doses they are eligible for ahead of what may be an active flu and respiratory illness season in our community,” she added.