The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is reporting a major jump in new COVID-19 cases.
There were 43 additional cases of COVID-19 reported in Windsor-Essex on Tuesday. Of the new cases reported, 34 are among farm-workers who were tested as part of case and contact management conducted by the health unit.
“The initiative from Ontario Health and supported by local health system partners to do mass testing in agri-food sector and the drive-thru testing led by WECHU will lead to a temporary rise in the number of new cases in our region,” said Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health.
A staff member at Country Village Homes, a retirement facility in Woodslee, tested positive for COVID-19 which put the residence back under outbreak status.
Dr. Ahmed said the number of new cases, as well as the proximity to the border, the large agricultural sector, and the large population of high-risk people, are all factors that determined the region's readiness to move to stage two of reopening.
"I know it has been a long road and people are growing weary of restrictions but they are in place to protect all of us and in particular our most vulnerable. As a community, we must continue to work collaboratively and all do our part, including strictly adhering to public health guidance and measures. This is our only path forward,” said Dr. Ahmed.
Dr. Ahmed strongly recommended people continue social distancing measures, staying home when sick, and washing hands frequently.
