As cases of COVID-19 rise in Windsor-Essex, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed is ready to get strict with the enforcement of public health measures.
Dr. Ahmed said the time for education is over and it's time to take action to limit the spread.
"Any businesses, anything, anyone, any person, any social gathering, anything that may be in violation of these measures, they will be charged and strong enforcement will happen," said Dr. Ahmed.
On Friday afternoon, the Windsor Essex County Health Unit will release a letter to residents and businesses to clearly outline the restrictions enforceable by by-law officers, police officers, and health inspectors.
The health unit reported 35 new cases of COVID-19 in the community on Friday morning. Among the new cases are 15 agricultural workers, three healthcare workers, and five close contacts of previously confirmed cases. The health unit is still investigating 13 of the cases.
There are now 185 active cases in the community. One person is in the hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19.
The health unit has declared an outbreak at an agricultural facility in Leamington. There are also four long-term care and retirement facilities experiencing outbreaks as well as a student residence at the University of Windsor.
Ontario reported 1,396 new cases across the province out of 40,500 tests completed. There were 440 new cases in Toronto, 440 in Peel, and 155 in York Region. To date, 3,312 people have died in Ontario due to COVID-19, an increase of 19 people from Thursday.
