It was another tough week in HPE for COVID-19 cases as the surge continued.
The health unit added a total of 496 new cases of the virus to its COVID-19 dashboard over the course of the week.
On Monday the total, including the weekend, was a whopping 146 new cases.
The week also featured two consecutive days of 100+ cases culminating in over 500 active in the region by Christmas eve.
The region also saw its 18th COVID-19-related death since the start of the pandemic.
Many of the cases were reported to be in school-aged children as well, with the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board adding multiple school outbreaks as children began their holiday break.
