Nearly 4,000 people are in hospital with COVID-19.

That’s according to figures released by Public Health Ontario.

There are 3,957 people in hospital including 558 who are in intensive care. That’s up from 510 yesterday.

In Lambton, there are 41 people in hospital with the virus – the highest number yet during the pandemic. Bluewater Health’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Haddad, says on social media eight out of the 11 people in Sarnia’s ICU are suffering from COVID-19.

Dr. Haddad says the pattern seen for the sickest people in ICU is most haven’t been vaccinated nor have they gained immunity through a recent infection, they’re elderly, or their vaccinated but have a weakened immune system and need a booster shot.

“Double vaccination is very effective to reduce the risk of hospitalization or ICU for most infected people,” he writes on social media. “But certain segments are getting very sick despite vaccines. This includes the elderly and especially the immunosuppressed – (transplants, chemo and leukemia),” he adds.

The province announced Thursday immunocompromised individuals can now receive a 4th dose (booster) of the #COVID19 vaccine as early as 84 days after their third dose.

You will need to bring a referral letter, prescription or medication bottle to your appointment to confirm eligibility.

The province is also reporting 10,732 new cases of COVID-19, although with limited testing officials say that’s likely to be between five and ten times higher.

In Lambton, the county reported another 112 people tested positive for the virus with an estimated 806 ill – again an under estimate because of the testing changes.