Dr. Lock Stressing Public Health Measures as Cases Rise in Oxford and Beyond

Friday, 8 January 2021 05:46

Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says we've reached a critical point in the battle against COVID-19.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health is calling on everyone to step up our efforts in the battle against COVID-19.

Dr. Joyce Lock has 3 specific requests for residents to help out during this critical point in our battle with COVID-19.

"The first thing that I am asking is for people to stop socializing with people outside of your household. This means no close contact at family dinners, no sleepovers, no carpooling, no getting together to watch games or tv, just stick with your own household, otherwise it's just not safe right now. The other thing I ask people to do is to monitor themselves for symptoms. Too many people are going to work now when they are unwell. So take every minor symptoms seriously, stay home and get tested."

Dr. Lock says the last request, isn't actually a request, it is the law.

"The last thing we ask people to remember, do stay home and self isolate while you are waiting for your test results or while you are waiting for your illness to resolve. This is not just an ask right now, it is a legal obligation. So don't go visit a friend, don't go to the grocery store, don't go to work, you must stay home for the entire 10 day period of time. If everybody does that, we'll make a dent and we will get this under control.

According to the latest numbers from the Health Unit, we have 356 active cases in the region with most of them in Tillsonburg, Woodstock, Aylmer and St. Thomas. 10 outbreaks have been declared at local long term care homes and a total of 7 residents have now died at Maple Manor in Tillsonburg and 5 at PeopleCare in Tavistock.

The outbreak at the Maple Manor Nursing Home in Tillsonburg has 57 residents who have tested positive for the virus and 41 staff members who have tested positive. The outbreak at PeopleCare in Tavistock now includes 34 residents and 29 staff members who have tested positive.