The region’s top public health doctor says local schools should be able to open with all indicators trending in a positive direction.
“Generally speaking, the indicators are pointing in the right direction which would support the recommendation to reopen our school for in-person learning,” said Windsor-Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed.
Dr. Ahmed is advising that all schools follow stringent public health guidelines in all areas, including on the playground and in the staffroom.
“I think there are systems in place to mitigate the risks as much as possible to keep our schools safe,” said Dr. Ahmed.
Although the provincial government has indicated rapid testing will be used in some school settings, the health unit has not received any indication of how it may be implemented throughout the local school system.
On Monday, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said he would announce ‘in the coming days’ when the remainder of schools will reopen for in-person learning.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reported 35 new cases of COVID-19 in the region on Tuesday. There are now 496 active cases in the community. Among those, 72 are receiving treatment in the hospital and 12 are in the intensive care unit.
The health unit also reported 10 additional deaths in the region connected to COVID-19. Six were members of the general community between the ages of 60 and 90. Four were residents of long-term care facilities between the ages of 80 and 90.
