Niagara Region hospitals mark zero COVID-19 patients for first time in nearly a year

Niagara Health has no COVID-19 patientsadmitted tohospital, the first time this has happened since September2020, the health unit reported Wednesday.

Linda Boich, executive lead, Niagara COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force, said the achievement of zero COVID-19 patients is the result of the efforts and dedication of the entire Niagara Health team.

"We are grateful to them for their professionalism and commitment to our patients and their families, which are making a positive difference during a difficult time," Boich said in a news release.

"We're also thankful to our partners and our community for their support and efforts throughout the pandemic."

According to Niagara Health, themilestone also reflects the impact vaccinations arehaving on limiting the transmission of the virus in the community.

"We are getting closer to putting the pandemic behind us as more people get vaccinated," chief of staff Dr. Johan Viljoen said.

"Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is critical to preventing a fourth wave and ending this pandemic. We encourage anyone who has not yet been vaccinated with a first and/or second dose to do so."

One new case of COVID-19 was recorded by the health unit on Wednesday, bringing the total number of active cases to 49.

Over the course of the pandemic there have been 16,354 cases of COVID-19 in Niagara Region.

A total of 420 deaths have been linked to the virus in the area.