Hospitals in Northeastern Ontario Overrun by Flu Surge

An unusually virulent flu season in 2026 has pushed hospitals in northeastern Ontario to unprecedented limits. Health Sciences North (HSN) reports a 10‑15% rise in patients versus last year, with more than 20 influenza, COVID‑19 and RSV outbreaks declared in Greater Sudbury. HSN’s emergency department now has 20 patients waiting for inpatient beds, a figure that has more than doubled in three weeks. Sault Area Hospital is operating at 119% occupancy as of Jan. 6, 2026, with 18 patients in the ER awaiting beds. Staff at Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard note that while patient numbers are lower, cases are more severe, driving admissions and isolation needs. Hospitals are relocating patients to hallways, dining rooms and recovery rooms, threatening elective procedures and therapy services.