As cases of COVID-19 continue to surge in Windsor-Essex, the medical officer of health warns the region is on a dangerous path.
On Monday, the health unit reported an additional 36 cases of the virus in the community. Among the new cases were 18 close contacts of previously confirmed cases, two travel-related cases, one healthcare worker, and four community-acquired cases. Twelve cases remain under investigation.
"It's coming from everywhere and a lot of them are resulting from the community, which is much more dangerous because that means there are more people who are outside who could be positive who are going into all of these settings," said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed.
There are now 310 active cases in the community. Area hospitals are treating 15 people for COVID-19 and four people are in the intensive care unit.
Daily Windsor Essex County Health Unit media conference, November 23, 2020.
"With the pace we are going, we are getting into the part where we can easily exceed the previous numbers and could overwhelm our health care system, the entire public health capacity, and see widespread transmission of disease in the community," said Dr. Ahmed.
The health unit is monitoring outbreaks at five long-term care and retirement homes. Outbreaks were declared at Riverside Place and Leamington Mennonite over the weekend.
There are also two local schools experiencing outbreaks. There are now 39 cases linked to the outbreak a Begley Public School. W.J Langlois currently has four cases.
There is also a COVID-19 outbreak at a University of Windsor student residence and at an agricultural facility in Leamington.
