News
Search
Sharp Rise In Cases in SWPH Region
Posted on Monday, November 02, 2020 12:21 PM
Southwestern Public Health Reports at least 31 COVID-19 cases from Congregate Living Setting in Bayham
Southwestern Public Health is investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 at a congregate living setting within its catchment area after at least 31 people tested positive for the virus.
One individual impacted by the outbreak was admitted to hospital on October 30 for COVID-19-related symptoms, tested positive, and remains in hospital.
Southwestern Public Health requested testing for all individuals...
Southwestern Public Health Advises Trick-or-Treating Caution for Hallowe'en
Posted on Thursday, October 15, 2020 09:42 AM
Southwestern Public Health is advising community members to be cautious and consider local risks when planning Hallowe’en activities.
“With our relatively low rates in the region, Hallowe’en activities including a limited trick-or-treat night may proceed,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “I recommend families pay close attention to our COVID-19 cases as we lead up to October 31st and adjust plans as needed.”
Southwestern Public Health has advice to manage COVID-19 risks on...
Protect the Community You Love
Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2020 09:35 AM
To Our Community,
More than six months ago, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic and all our lives changed. As of October 1, 34 million cases were diagnosed world-wide and more than 1 million people had died. In addition to the illness and devastating loss of life, the economy, education, movement within and between countries, and the way we live our daily lives has changed significantly.
In our region, we have had approximately 124 cases per 100,000 people*. This...
Southwestern Public Health Confirms Case of COVID-19 Within Local Elementary School
Posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 02:02 PM
Southwestern Public Health has been notified that a member of the Mitchell Hepburn Public School community in St. Thomas, Ontario has tested positive for COVID-19.
Following notification of the test result earlier today, public health staff immediately initiated the case investigation. The source of infection is known; the virus was not contracted at the school. Close contacts are being notified of their potential exposure by public health officials. The rest of the school community will be notified...
SWPH Confirms Probable Case of COVID-19 in St. Thomas Community Christian School Community
Posted on Monday, September 28, 2020 12:10 PM
Southwestern Public Health has been notified that a member of the St. Thomas Community Christian School community in St. Thomas, Ontario is a probable case of COVID-19.
Following notification, public health staff immediately initiated a case investigation to identify the source of transmission and the individual’s close contacts. The broader school community was informed of the positive case by email from school principal Jason Schouten and provided with instructions about next steps. Close contacts...
Southwestern Public Health Medical Officer of Health Asks That Only Symptomatic Residents Get Tested
Posted on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 09:56 AM
High demand for testing leads to long wait times and stress on local health care resources
Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health, has issued a statement for the residents of Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.
“We ask that residents book appointments for testing only if they have a symptom (s) of COVID19, or if they have been instructed by public health or a health care provider to get tested. The return to school and the recent increase in cases across the region has led...