Deaths related to COVID-19 reach 18 in Chatham-Kent
COVID-19 claimed another life in Chatham-Kent Wednesday evening after a hospital patient passed away.
“It’s the first due to COVID for some time,” stated Lori Marshall, president and CEO of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Marshall did not give out the person’s gender or age, but Chatham-Kent’s Medical Health Officer, Dr. David Colby said, “the person was unvaccinated.”
It brought the total number of COVID deaths in Chatham-Kent to 18.
Marshall said 13 people who tested positive remain under the care of CKHA with five individuals in the Intensive Care Unit and four of them on ventilators.
However, Marshall added so far 87 per cent of hospital staff were fully vaccinated with 7 per cent who had already had a first dose.
The hospital has given its staff, volunteers, and contractors until Oct. 31 to be fully vaccinated, or face possible employment termination.
She attributed the higher rate to new rules, “it’s much higher than when we introduced the vaccination policy.”
Still, Marshall said she was aware some workers planned to submit a human rights challenge, and added a review was underway to assess what impact there would be to service by losing staff who refuse to immunize.
Meanwhile, Chatham-Kent Public Health reported 112 active cases and a percentage of positivity rate of 5.3 per cent.
Colby said the high rate was because of testing methodology as the jurisdiction assesses a wider population, and does not just target individuals with symptoms.
He was generally pleased after the first day of vaccine passports as no charges were laid, but said there were many questions from business people.
“They don’t like turning people away who are potential customers and concerned about the responsibility they have checking vaccine receipts,” he said.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said he expected a wholesome debate on Monday evening when council is scheduled to discuss a vaccination policy for themselves, similar to a policy being drafted for municipal workers at its regular meeting Monday evening.
Canniff said it is an important step and added, “we have to lead by example.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.