Health Unit Says 2 Positive Cases Recovering, No New COVID-19 Cases Monday, Continue Taking All Precautions

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Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health, speaks to the media in this file photo.

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is continuing to urge precaution in our community after announcing there have been no new cases of COVID-19 as of Monday morning.

The Health Unit says two people are still confirmed positive for COVID-19 and are recovering in their own homes.  They say 383 people have been tested and 264 tests are still pending, as of Monday morning.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health for Windsor Essex stressed Monday the importance for March Break travellers to self-isolate.

“It’s the first day after March Break and many area residents have already arrived or will be arriving in the next few days,” he said.  “It is absolutely important for these returning travellers to self-isolate themselves to protect their own family and the community.”

“Self-isolation means you do not go to work, you do not go outside your home, you do not go for groceries, you do not have any visitors inside your home,” he said.  “Anyone who is concerned about groceries: please look at the options for delivery or have your friends delivery them to your door. Do not let them in.”

Dr. Ahmed warned healthcare workers living in Windsor but working in Michigan about the growing threat.

“Healthcare workers going across the border should remember that there is widespread community transmission happening in Michigan,” said Ahmed.  “You must follow social distancing measures as much as possible.”

“When you are back in Canada, please do not go out in the community, and stay home as much as possible,” he said.  “Monitor your symptoms daily.”

Michigan reported 1,035 cases as of Sunday, according to the Health Unit.

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 31st:

• 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 6th)
• 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
• 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
• Social 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:

• Closure of retail outlets including those that sell clothes, apparel, books, home décor. Failure to follow recommendation will result in an order.
• Closure of all personal service settings (hair salons, nail salons etc.). Failure to follow recommendation will result in an order.
• 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 follow the 2 meter social distancing measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and the community. For additional details on workplaces including environmental cleaning, please follow guidance for employees and employer section on our website.
• Physicians should screen clients over the phone and refer as appropriate.
• Create an 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