There were 1,679 patients tested positive for the virus in hospitals, the health ministry said, an increase of 18 from the previous day. Of these patients, about 44 percent were admitted as a result of COVID-19 symptoms, while 56 percent were already in the hospital when their cases were confirmed. A total of 209 people with the disease were admitted to the ICU, up from 202 on Thursday. About 70 percent of those in need of intensive care were admitted to the ICU because of the effects of the virus. The total number of COVID-related deaths in the province was 12,812. Limited laboratory tests confirmed an additional 2,760 cases of COVID-19. The average for the seven days is 3,014. Ontario Public Health reported a positive rate of 13.2 percent of the 19,235 PCR tests completed. Meanwhile, public health units collectively administered another 33,077 doses of COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, most of the second aid to eligible Ontario residents. About 87 percent of residents aged 12 and over have been shot at least twice.
