6 New Cases Of COVID-19 Reported In Windsor-Essex Saturday Bringing Total To 15

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The number of cases of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex has climbed from nine on Friday to fifteen on Saturday.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit confirmed the new number in a statement to media, Saturday morning.

As of Saturday, 815 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex and and 552 tests are pending.

Case nine, announced Friday, is a female in her sixties with no travel history. Her date of exposure is unknown but she developed symptoms on March 12th. She is currently recovering at home with mild symptoms.

Case 10 is a female in her fifties that works in a healthcare facility in Michigan. She is a close contact of a confirmed case in Michigan. She first developed symptoms on March 14th and is currently recovering at home.

Case 11 is a female in her thirties with recent travel from the United Kingdom. She developed symptoms on March 18th and was tested at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The individual is currently recovering in the United Kingdom.

Case 12 is a female in her fifties that works in a healthcare facility in Michigan. She developed symptoms on March 20th and was tested at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre March 23rd. She is currently recovering at home.

Case 13 is a male in his fifties with recent travel in the United States/New York. He developed symptoms on March 15th and was tested at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre March 17th. He is currently recovering at home.

The Health Unit says cases 14 and 15 were just reported to the Health Unit by the lab on Saturday morning and information with be provided to the public as soon as possible.

The Health Unit is currently following up with the contacts for all the new cases.

Officials say 11 of the 13 cases in Windsor-Essex are associated with travel, 9 are travel to the United States, including 5 healthcare workers in Michigan.

“With over 400 tests pending we expect to continue to report confirmed cases in Windsor-Essex,” says Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health. “COVID-19 is here and has turned our lives upside down in a matter of weeks. We need to stay the course, continue to make sacrifices and tough decisions for our families, loved ones and community. We need to lend strength to each other, keep connected and be kind. And above all stay home when you are sick.”

Current Provincial Guidance & Restrictions
The province is providing guidance, recommendations and restrictions on a regular basis to public health. As of March 18th, 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.
• 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)

Additionally, all organized public events of over 50 people are prohibited, including parades, events and communal services within places of worship.
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 social 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