News

Southwestern Public Health Confirms Case of COVID-19 Within Local Elementary School

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

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

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...

Blue-green algae found in Wildwood Reservoir

Wildwood Reservoir posted as unsafe for swimming

Huron Perth Public Health and Southwestern Public Health are advising people that a bloom of blue-green algae has been detected in Wildwood Reservoir at Wildwood Conservation Area, which is near St. Marys. Blue-green algae can produce toxins which may be harmful to health through direct contact or consumption.

The Health Units advise that the Wildwood Reservoir is unsafe for swimming. Until further notice, residents and visitors should take the...

SWPH issues letter of instruction to mandate face coverings in enclosed public spaces

Businesses in Oxford County, Elgin County and City of St. Thomas to require face coverings

Southwestern Public Health has issued a letter of instruction for all businesses in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas to mandate face coverings in enclosed public spaces.

The instruction takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on July 30th and includes a one-week grace period to allow businesses time to prepare. Policies must be in place by 12:00 a.m. on August 6th.

All commercial establishments, public...

West Nile Virus found in Tavistock mosquito trap

Southwestern Public Health finds positive mosquito trap during routine testing

Southwestern Public Health has confirmed that a local mosquito trap has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The trap was located in the Town of Tavistock. This is the first mosquito trap this year to produce a positive test in the Southwestern Public Health region.

“We have several mosquito traps set up across Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas to monitor and test for the presence of West Nile Virus...