News

Southwestern Public Health Issues Heat Warning June 30-July 1

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) issues heat warnings when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures that are expected to be at least 31°C and/or a Humidex value above 40°C for at least two days, with overnight temperatures at or above 20°C.

Environment Canada is forecasting hot temperatures in the West Elgin-Rodney-Shedden area of the SWPH region beginning Thursday, June 30th and continuing through the evening on Friday July 1st. Temperatures are forecast to reach between the low to mid thirties...

Southwestern Public Health Issues Heat Warning June 15-16

Southwestern Publi­c Health (SWPH) issues heat warnings when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures that are expected to be at least 31°C and/or a Humidex value above 40°C for at least two days, with overnight temperatures at or above 20°C.

Environment Canada is forecasting hot temperatures throughout the SWPH region beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, June 15th. Temperatures are expected to reach between 30 to 33 degrees Celsius with humidex values forecast near 40.

Overnight temperatures...

Report Identifies Indirect Health Impacts of COVID-19

A new Southwestern Public Health report confirms how the pandemic has affected the livelihood and overall health of people living in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.

The Indirect Health Impacts of COVID-19 is one of several health status reports routinely compiled by the health unit. The purpose of this Report is to help prepare for future emergency situations and inform decisions about local recovery from COVID-19.

Key findings indicate there were more mental health and substance...

Southwestern Public Health Encourages Community to Stay Informed about Ticks and Lyme Disease

In alignment with the release of Public Health Ontario’s 2022 Lyme Disease Risk Map, Southwestern Public Health reminds community members to familiarize themselves with tick and Lyme disease prevention information before heading outdoors this spring.

This year, Ontario’s risk map includes a new Lyme disease risk area for the Southwestern Public Health region in Malahide, Ontario.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Risk areas...

Southwestern Public Health Highlights Safe Needle Disposal for Earth Day

Today for Earth Day, Southwestern Public Health is highlighting steps for safe needle disposal and other sharp litter found in our communities.

“Now that the weather has started to warm, people are again visiting community parks. But, with the snow melting, they may find discarded needles and other trash in these public spaces,” says Jacqueline Deroo, Public Health Nurse at Southwestern Public Health. “We want everyone to feel confident about what to do if they come across a needle or other hazardous...

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are ready to administer fourth doses for 60+

Southwestern Public Health has adjusted its COVID-19 vaccination clinics to align with provincial timelines for expanded fourth dose eligibility.

Starting April 7 at 9 a.m., the health unit’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics in St. Thomas and Woodstock will welcome individuals eligible for a fourth dose on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine for clinic days and hours of operation, closed noon to 1 p.m. daily.

Pop-up vaccination clinics are paused between...