News

Southwestern Public Health, in partnership with Middlesex-London Health Unit, has updated its booking system to better accommodate second dose rescheduling for residents aged 80 or older.

Beginning June 7 at 8 a.m., individuals born in 1941 or earlier can reschedule their appointment online at www.covidvaccineLM.ca. Seniors aged 80 or older living in Oxford County, Elgin County or the City of St. Thomas can also call Southwestern Public Health’s Response Centre at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9 for a staff...

Media Release

May 31, 2021

Southwestern Public Health Finalizing Processes to Re-Book Eligible Second Dose Appointments

On May 28, the Ontario government announced those aged 80 and older would become eligible to re-book an earlier second dose appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine through the provincial booking system.

However, because Southwestern Public Health uses a custom booking system, a new process is required to help those eligible to re-book their existing appointment as efficiently as possible.

This...

Media Release

May 31, 2021

Southwestern Public Health Region Celebrates 100,000 Residents Vaccinated with at Least One Dose

On Friday May 28, the health unit serving Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas met a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19.

Each day, through a combination of pop-up clinics, family physician and pharmacy vaccinators, and mass immunization clinics, thousands of Oxford County, Elgin County and City of St. Thomas residents are vaccinated against...

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...