10 More Positive COVID-19 Cases Confirmed For Windsor Essex, Sunday, Local Total At 25

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Updated 10:33am:  Windsor Regional Hospital will be providing an update to the media at 1:00pm due to “an increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 who are currently in-patients at Windsor Regional Hospital.”

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has confirmed 10 additional cases of COVID-19 for the Windsor-Essex area as of Sunday, bringing the total number of locally confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 25.

Of the 10 new cases reported, the Health Unit says limited details are currently available. They say five of the 10 cases are in their forties, two cases are in their sixties, one case is in their twenties, one case in their thirties and one in their seventies.

The Health Unit says travel history and gender information is not currently available for the cases but will be updated on the wechu.org website under local updates when it becomes available.

The Health Unit has provided this chart showing an overview of current confirmed cases by age for Windsor-Essex as of 10:00am, Sunday, March 29th, 2020.

The Health Unit said Sunday they will no longer be providing individual case details in their daily updates but will instead focus on overall numbers for the region detailed by age, gender and travel history, if available.

Officials say the change in reporting is due to the number of tests currently pending for Windsor-Essex and the increase in confirmed cases in the region.

Officials say they will continue to follow all confirmed cases and conduct contact tracing to identify individuals for further follow up.

Current Provincial Guidance & Restrictions
The province is providing guidance, recommendations and restrictions on a regular basis to public health. As of March 17th, 2020, under the provincial Emergency Act the following orders are in place until March 31^st:

• Mandatory under the federal Quarantine Act, anyone traveling outside of Canada should self-isolate for 14 days upon return. If symptoms develop during self-isolation, including fever and/or cough call public health at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420.
• Prohibition on organized public events and social gatherings of 5 or more people (funerals can have up to 10)
• Closure of all Ontario Parks to visitors
• Closure of all licenced child care centres
• Closure of all public schools (Until April 6^th)
• Closure of all public libraries
• Closure of all facilities providing indoor recreational programs
• Closure of all private schools as defined in the Education Act
• Closure of all Theatres and movie theatres
• Closure of all concert venues
• Closure of all Casinos (until further notice)
• Closure of all bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery
• Closure of all non-essential workplaces
• Long Term Care, Retirement Facilities, Hospice, and residential care facilities only permit essential visitors and actively screen visitors for symptoms and travel history, excluding entry if failed screening
• Suspension of all non-essential travel outside of Canada
• Physical distancing (2 Metres)

These orders will remain in place until March 31, 2020, when the province will reassess for an extension or end the closures. Orders are being actively enforced.

Be advised that there is currently a state of emergency declared for the City of Windsor and the County of Essex

Current recommendations from Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health
Dr. Wajid Ahmed supports all of the recommendations and restrictions provided by the Government of Ontario for the City of Windsor and County of Essex. As well Dr. Ahmed recommends:

• All residents returning from travel outside of Canada self-isolate for 14-days upon return, including essential workers returning from non-essential travel.
• Seniors and high risk individuals should avoid any non-essential trips and stay home as much as possible.
• Commuters that cross to Detroit for work purposes should consider work from home options with their employer where possible and regularly self-monitor for any symptoms including taking their temperature.
• Employers in Windsor and Essex should make arrangements for their employees to work from home whenever possible. If work from home is not an option, please ensure that your workplace follows the 2 meter physical distancing measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and the community.
• Healthcare workers especially those who work in long term care homes and are employed in multiple settings should work with their employers to restrict their work to one institution (whenever possible) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Physicians should screen clients over the phone and refer as appropriate.
• Implement your emergency preparedness plan to ensure you have what you need in case of self-isolation.
• Wash hands with soap & water thoroughly and often.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue. Dispose of tissue immediately and wash your hands.
• Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
• Stay home when you are sick; call your health care provider for advice and take the online self assessment tool for COVID-19.