The 267 new COVID-19 cases today sets a Niagara Region record but hospitalizations not spiking

St Catharines | Niagara | Niagara Falls | Ontario | COVID |

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Published December 24, 2021 at 12:55 pm

When Niagara Region announced 267 new COVID-19 cases today (December 24), it set a unwanted record for daily cases in the region.

The only day that was remotely closed was January 11 when it announced 238 new cases. By comparison, the year 2020 is looking like a picnic in the park by comparison. The worst day for all of last year was December 29 when there were 137 new cases announced.

Now the real question remains: Is there cause for alarm? Early studies out of Europe and Africa – where Omicron struck first – would indicate probably not. Whereas the new variant is clearly highly contagious, figures would seem to indicate it’s not nearly as lethal as either the Alpha or Delta variants.

That said, Niagara Region’s acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji is suggesting that maintaining traditional COVID-19 protocols – social distancing, wash your hands frequently, keep that face mask on – is still the best way to send Omicron packing.

St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Grimsby all saw record high active cases in their municipalities as they hit 350, 254 and 117 cases respectively – the first time three Niagara municipalities saw triple digits on the same day.

Welland and Lincoln are both in the 80s at 88 and 87 respectively followed by Thorold (76), Niagara-on-the-Lake (74) and Fort Erie (71).

From there, it’s a significant drop-down to Pelham with 51, Port Colborne sitting at 40, West Lincoln recording 31 and Wainfleet at the bottom with 12.

In terms of cases per 10,000 residents, Grimsby and Niagara-on-the-Lake are up top at 39.9 and 39.2 respectively.

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