The Biggest Single Day Spike of COVID-19 Cases in Our Region Means We Could be Moving Up a Tier

Friday, 4 December 2020 12:27

The regions top doctor warns that today's numbers from Southwestern Public Health are are predictive of a move to the Red Tier as early as next Friday.

OXFORD/ELGIN COUNTY - The 19 cases of COVID-19 reported today by Southwestern Public Health is biggest single day increase for our region.

Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says today's numbers mean there is a good chance we could be moving into the Red tier next week.

"These numbers are predictive of a move to the Red Tier of Ontario’s Safe and Open Strategy which will have a significant impact on our local businesses. These numbers are some of the highest of the year for us – are also predictive of an increase in serious illness, hospitalizations, ICU stays, and death. There is good news, however. The good news is that each of you have what it takes to bring these numbers down, to decrease the amount of virus circulating in our community, and to lower the risk to the community we love."

The Province announced the regions moving into new tiers this afternoon and Southwestern Public Health was not one of them. The decisions are based on numbers from earlier in the week, so the spike of cases today will not impact that decision, which means if we do move into the Red tier, it would likely be announced next Friday.

The health unit also confirmed the 8th COVID-19 related death today, a man in his 80's who passed away after an infection of COVID-19.

The health unit asks the public to focus on three actions that will reduce the most common sources of transmission seen in our region:

1. Maintain physical distance and wear a face covering in the workplace. The virus spreads quickly and easily when people are close together and unmasked, particularly in areas like break or
lunchrooms.

2. Limit close contact to members of your household. Close contact is within 2 metres for longer than 15 minutes.

3. Stay home and get tested if you experience even one symptom. A test is the only way to know if your symptoms are COVID-19 related. Once you know your result you can take action to keep your loved ones safe.