COVID data continues to trend in the wrong direction, though some of the numbers are showing signs of slowing down.

The number of outbreaks at in long term care homes, hospitals and retirement centres is up dramatically, however, from 21 to 30 for the week of October 9-15, with three on hospital wards versus just one the previous period. The per cent positivity rate among those tested is also considerably higher at 13 per cent versus 11.2 per cent.

The total number of new COVID-19 cases is up slightly to 349 from 347 and the weekly incidence rate (per 100,000 population) is up a bit as well to 47.6 from 47.3. The hospital caseload actually dropped, from 49 to 46, though there are now two patients in intensive care versus one the previous period.

The worst sign is the number of deaths, which had been zero for the past several reporting periods. There were two deaths from the virus last week, bringing the total number of deaths since the pandemic was first declared to 513.