Another COVID-19 related death in Quinte as Ontario expands access to rapid antigen tests

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health reported another virus-related death today.

Health officials note in their first update since Monday, that a total of 32 local residents have died since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

There has been a slight increase in the number of new high-risk cases, and those in hospital.

A total of 144 new high-risk cases are being reported today. There are a total of 384 active high-risk infections in the area. A slight increase compared to just over 300 reported earlier in the week.

Hospital staff are also treating a few more people in hospital. There are 11 local residents with the virus in care, and two in the ICU.

The region has 16 active COVID-19 outbreaks in high-risk settings. The latest impacting Seasons Retirement Home in Trenton and a congregated living facility in Prince Edward County.

Ontario reported that there are just over 2,000 people across the province in hospital today with the virus. Down from 2,900 posted this time last week.

The province recorded another 3,100 new COVID-19 cases as PCR testing remains limited to certain groups.

Health Minster Christine Elliot announced today that over 2,300 grocery stores, pharmacies and other locations across the province will have free rapid antigen kits available. A person can take one kit per household each time they visit.

It is up to retailers to determine where the line is when it comes to people living in the same household with different generations.

Residents can pick-up the kits at select retailers by going to the stores, in-person or ordering online depending how things are set up.

Here is a list of where kits are in Belleville.

The province will be distributing the kits over the next eight weeks.

Ontario released a video recently explaining how to properly use the kits.