7 new coronavirus cases reported in London-Middlesex, including 6 at seniors’ facilities
Seven people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, six of them at local seniors’ homes, while eight more people have recovered, officials with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) reported on Monday.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 423 and the number of recovered cases to 264 — about 62 per cent of cases. The number of deaths remained unchanged at 40.
Health officials also reported a new outbreak had been declared in the region, bringing that total to 18, with 11 outbreaks still active.
According to the health unit, five of the new cases were reported at long-term care homes, involving two residents and three staff, and one was reported at a retirement home involving a staff member.
Six of the cases were reported in London, while one was reported in North Middlesex, MLHU figures show. A total of 391 cases have been confirmed in London since the start of the pandemic, while 17 cases have been reported in Strathroy-Caradoc, seven in Middlesex Centre, four in Thames Centre and four in North Middlesex.
The health unit reported four new cases and 11 recoveries on Saturday and two deaths, three new cases and 20 recoveries on Sunday.
Four of the cases and both deaths reported over the weekend were associated with local seniors’ facilities, according to MLHU figures. The two deaths were linked to retirement homes.
Following Monday’s update, long-term care and retirement homes now account for 131 of the region’s cases and at least 12 of the 18 outbreaks that have been declared. Of the 11 outbreaks that remain active in London and Middlesex, nine are at seniors’ facilities.
The most recent outbreak was declared on Sunday at Peoplecare Oakcrossing, a 160-bed long-term care home on Sarnia Road in west London, according to the health unit.
Eighty-five cases have been reported at long-term care homes, involving 52 residents and 33 staff, while 46 cases have been reported at retirement homes, involving 33 residents and 13 staff. It’s not clear how many cases are active. Sixteen deaths have also been associated with long-term care homes and six with retirement homes.
At least 212 outbreaks have been declared at long-term care homes across Ontario since mid-January, according to Public Health Ontario.
Elsewhere, local outbreaks remain active at Kensington Village Retirement, Kensington Village Long-Term Care Residence, Elmwood Place, Horizon Place, Meadow Park Care Centre, Earls Court Village, Grand Wood Park, Henley Place and Sisters of St. Joseph.
An active outbreak also remains in Victoria Hospital’s geriatric behavioural unit (C6-100), according to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
According to LHSC, 39 staff members have tested positive for the novel coronavirus as of Monday, one more than reported on Friday. It’s not clear how many cases remain active and where in the hospital system the individuals worked.
LHSC figures show University and Victoria hospitals were treating a total of 25 COVID-19 patients on Monday, including eight in intensive care.
Provincially, Ontario reported 370 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, and 84 more deaths.
That brings the provincial total to nearly 18,000 cases, including 1,300 deaths and more than 12,500 resolved cases.
The new provincial case total is 2.1 per cent higher than the previous day, which is part of a downward trend.
The number of people in hospital dropped, as did the number of people in intensive care units, and the number of people on ventilators remained relatively stable.
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There were 14,555 tests completed in the past 24 hours, the lowest total in four days, though officials have said there tends to be less demand on the weekends.
The province has been ramping up its return to normalcy, with a small list of mostly seasonal businesses allowed to reopen as the spread of COVID-19 slows.
Premier Doug Ford announced the plan on Friday, saying it should be seen as a “glimmer of hope” that Ontario’s efforts to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus are working.
The businesses allowed to reopen include garden centres that offer curbside pickup, lawn care and landscaping companies and automatic car washes.
Auto dealerships can reopen but by appointment only, and marinas and golf courses can begin maintenance.
Elgin and Oxford
One more person in Elgin and Oxford has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, health officials with Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) reported Monday.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
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