News

Province Amends Smoke-Free Ontario Act Protecting Youth from Vaping

Amendments strengthen the restrictions on youth access to flavoured and high nicotine vapour products

St. Thomas, ON: Yesterday, the Province of Ontario amended the Smoke-free Ontario Act, 2017 to further address the prevalence of youth vaping. These amendments strengthen the restrictions on youth access to flavoured and high nicotine vapour products to protect youth under 19 years of age from the harms associated with vaping. The amendments respond to parental, public, and health stakeholder’s concerns...

Southwestern Public Heath Region Welcomes Beach-Goers and Reminds Them to Keep Safety in Mind

Medical Officer of Health offers tips on keeping COVID-19 at bay while enjoying regional beaches

Southwestern Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Joyce Lock, is asking day trippers to enjoy their return to the region’s beaches – but to always keep safety in mind to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The Southwestern Public Health region, which includes Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas, moved into Ontario’s Phase 2 reopening on June 12. Restaurant patios, salons,...

Southwestern Public Health expects COVID-19 measures to be our ‘new normal’

Local health experts advise continued public health practices until treatments and vaccinations are widely available

As Ontario continues to loosen restrictions and re-open the economy, officials at Southwestern Public Health caution that COVID-19 will be an indefinite threat.

Based on global epidemiology models and known attributes of coronaviruses, it is probable the COVID-19 virus will continue to spread. The World Health Organization issued a warning on May 13 that novel-coronavirus will likely...

Southwestern Public Health Issues First Heat Advisory of Year and First During Pandemic

Today, Southwestern Public Health issued its first heat advisory of the year which also happens to be the first local heat advisory issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A heat warning or extended heat warning is issued when prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions could prove dangerous to public health. Today’s heat warning is based on forecasted temperatures around 30°C this afternoon, with a similar forecast for Wednesday in the City of St. Thomas, Elgin County and Oxford County. Humidex values...

Southwestern Public Health working with Ingersoll’s Secord Trails to contain COVID-19 Outbreak

As of May 22, 7 health care workers have been confirmed positive with the virus.

On Monday, a single case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in a health care worker at Secord Trails Care Community. As of this morning, Southwestern Public Health confirms an additional six COVID-19 positive test results - bringing the total to seven health care workers within the organization.

The affected staff hold various positions with varying levels of contact with residents. They are all self-isolating at home. No residents...

Southwestern Public Health working with local growers to safely bring back seasonal workers

Warm weather has arrived and with it comes important seasonal work by area growers

As a largely rural public health unit, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) has long worked with area farmers on matters related to the health and safety of the seasonal workers that come to Elgin and Oxford Counties to assist with the growing season. That work takes prominence with spring’s arrival. The region requires hundreds of extra workers to plant, maintain and eventually harvest local crops – all within the context...