After another big spike of new COVID-19 cases, Windsor Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed is worried this is the beginning of widespread cases in the community.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reported 22 new cases on Monday. That's after 17 new cases were identified over the weekend.
"The cases will not increase one at a time. It will just increase exponentially and once it spreads it will be difficult to contain. We have seen that we have had that experience," said Dr. Ahmed.
Among the new cases are four health care workers, three long-term care residents, three close contacts, and three community-acquired cases. Nine cases remain under investigation.
"When we are reporting 22 today, with all these diverse places, it scares me. It gives me the indication that we are lagging in what we are doing and we have to act now," said Dr. Ahmed.
There are 77 active cases in the community. Two people are receiving treatment in the hospital.
There are now two long-term care facilities experiencing outbreaks. Lifetimes on Riverside and Iller Lodge have cases among staff and residents.
There have been cases identified at three schools in the community, however, there are no outbreaks linked to the school cases.