The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is reporting 19 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 427 cases in the region.
Two more people in the community have died from the disease, bringing the death toll to 18.
As of Thursday morning, 2,936 people have been tested for the virus while 351 people are still waiting for their results.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said, although the current method of testing takes time to process, it is the most accurate test available at this time.
"We know for sure that any type of PCR testing is very sensitive and it is important that the proper technique is used to do the testing and combining all those things is important for us to get the right results," said Ahmed.
He said there is a possibility to get false positives or false negatives with this form of testing but he still has a high level of confidence in the method. Other methods using serological or blood-based tests have been approved worldwide however only one was recently approved for use in Canada.
"By far, everywhere, PCR testing is still the most sensitive and reliable test that is happening across the world the only issue is there is a delay in getting the results," said Dr. Ahmed. "I feel confident in the PCR testing if it is done correctly it is getting us the results that we are hoping for."
Ahmed said staff continue to follow up with many people who think they may have received a false negative. Some are retested if symptoms get worse or change.
CORRECTION: BlackburnNews.com incorrectly reported that the COVID-19 death toll had increased by one person. It had actually increased by two. The correction has been made in the above article.
