The Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex says public health resources in the area are being "stretched to the maximum" as COVID-19 cases and outbreaks continue to spread.
On Monday, the Windsor Essex County Health Unit reported 41 new cases of COVID-19 in the region. Over half of the cases were still under investigation at the time they were reported. Of the identified cases, five are linked to close contacts, five are healthcare workers, five are community-acquired cases, and one was an agricultural worker.
To assist with contact tracing and to monitor the growing number of outbreaks in the community, the health unit has requested additional support from Public Health Ontario. More staff are being assigned to the health unit to assist with contact tracing.
The health unit is actively monitoring 17 outbreaks in the community including two at local hospitals.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed is asking the community to do its part to reduce the strain on public health staff.
"Try to maintain a diary of all activities that you are doing, including a list of all individuals you are meeting to help public health identify a possible source of acquisition and identify high-risk contacts," said Dr. Ahmed.
For each case of COVID-19 identified, the health unit must review the person's activity and then contact any possible high-risk contacts identified. Each interview can take up to an hour to complete.
