Most new COVID-19 cases in Middlesex-London at seniors' homes

A senior is seen in this undated photograph.

Middlesex County, Ont. — There were 13 new COVID-19 cases reported by the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) on Tuesday, but no new deaths.

That brings the regional total to 247, including 42 cases at long-term care and retirement homes - 11 more than on Monday.

An overview released by the Ontario Health Coalition last week found outbreaks at eight facilities in Middlesex-London, and it's unclear if that number has changed. The total number of deaths remains at 11.

MLHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie says the increase at seniors' homes is likely due to an increase in testing.

That is good, he says, because it means cases are being detected earlier, so patients can be isolated sooner, and along with measures being taken to isolate new admissions and staff wearing masks, should reduce spread.

Still, Mackie says there is positive evidence that we appear to be close to the peak, "Some really good news…we are starting to bend the curve…this is a real win."

While the region may not be quite at the peak (and that information is likely only to be known weeks afterward), we are close, and Mackie says that's good because our hospitals are not yet overwhelmed and still have a lot of capacity.

He added that it's really important to continue physical distancing and business closures at this stage to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Southwestern Public Health is reporting a total of 36 cases in Elgin and Oxford counties, up by just one from Monday.

Tuesday's new case is a healthcare worker at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. No additional deaths were reported.

In Sarnia-Lambton, there were four new cases reported Tuesday, bringing the region's total to 119, including the 10 deaths previously reported.

There were two more cases reported in Huron-Perth on Tuesday, for a total of 34 cases.

No new cases were reported in addition to the 11 already at Greenwood Court seniors' home in Stratford, but another resident has passed away from the virus bringing the total number of deaths there to two, and the total in the region to three.

Meanwhile the wife of a Stratford transit driver who tested positive on Monday, is also among the new cases in Huron-Perth.

Grey Bruce Public Health is reporting one new case Tuesday, a man in his 40s who is self-isolating.

That brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the region to 40. There continues to be no deaths in the area.

Across Ontario, there were 483 new cases, and 43 new deaths - the highest number reported in a single day so far.