News

Deer tick tests positive for Lyme disease in Southwestern Public Health region

Tick was recently collected from the Port Burwell area

Today Southwestern Public Health confirmed a deer tick collected from Port Burwell has tested positive for the agent that causes Lyme disease.

This is the first local deer tick to test positive in Elgin County for the 2021 season, however Port Burwell has been a risk area since 2019.

 “This serves as a reminder to be vigilant when enjoying the...

What's Open on May 22, 2021 in Ontario

While the Stay at Home Order remains in effect, Ontario did loosen restrictions on some outdoor activities in time for the long weekend. You may also enjoy very small social visits with a maximum of five people outdoors. Please continue to practice physical distancing at all times.

The following recreational amenities are allowed to open:

• Parks and recreational areas
• Baseball diamonds
• Batting cages
• Soccer, football and sports fields
• Tennis, platform tennis,...

With ages 18 and older now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, Southwestern Public Health has begun the necessary plans to welcome younger teens to vaccine clinics once they become eligible in Ontario.

On May 17, the Ministry of Health indicated that may be as early as the week of May 31 for youth aged 12 to 17.

“There is a lot of preparation when a new group comes into focus, and this age band has many considerations,” says Jaime Fletcher, Program Manager of the Southwestern Public Health COVID-19...

Increased vaccine supply from the Province allows those with heightened transmission risks to be given earlier second dose

Due to a more steady-supply of vaccine, Ontario has updated its second dose COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for specific populations who have a heightened risk of COVID-19 infection.

Starting May 14 at 8 a.m., staff and essential caregivers associated with Long-Term Care or Retirement Homes, as well as highest-risk healthcare workers and first responders can re-schedule their second...

Amid a more steady-stream of vaccine being delivered to the Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford region, Southwestern Public Health is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility several times this week to align with Ontario’s rollout timelines.

Eligible Starting May 11
As announced on May 10, Ontario plans to open eligibility to additional groups starting May 11 at 8 a.m. with at-risk health conditions and Group 2 essential workers who cannot work from home.

Southwestern Public Health further defines these groups...

Our People, Our Stories is a special series of relatable stories recognizing our staff and the impact COVID-19 has had on our workforce personally and professionally.

Part 4: Making COVID Lemonade

How a pandemic pushed infection control to centre stage

For Public Health Inspector Denis LeChasseur, infection control has always been top of mind. 

Then COVID hit and for the first time in his career, LeChasseur had company – the entire world was now talking about infection control.

Wash...