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...

Heat Warning Issued for June 21-22, 2022

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 Tuesday, June 21st and continuing through the evening on Wednesday June 22nd. Temperatures are forecast to reach between the low to mid thirties (degrees Celsius).

Overnight...

Masking still recommended in specific settings; required at SWPH clinics

While face coverings are no longer required in most public indoor spaces in Ontario, there are specific situations and settings where they are recommended–and at times required, at the local level.

Face coverings are still mandated in long-term care and retirement homes by the Ontario Government. They are also recommended in acute care and congregate care settings. Businesses–including health care settings–are strongly encouraged to consider implementing or maintaining masking policies for indoor...

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...

Changes coming to local COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Southwestern Public Health is changing its COVID-19 vaccination operations to prepare for the summer months ahead.

Over the coming weeks, the health unit’s vaccination sites in St. Thomas and Woodstock will transition to fewer days each week to focus more effort on pop-up and mobile clinics. Starting June 6, the St. Thomas site at 1230 Talbot Street will operate Mondays and Fridays from 9AM to noon and 1PM to 4PM. Also on June 6, the Woodstock site moves to South Gate Centre and will be open Mondays...