88 new cases reported in London region Wednesday as lockdown looms
Here are key updates on the coronavirus pandemic in the region
Recent developments:
- The first vaccine was administered in London Wednesday to an RN working at a seniors' home
- Health Canada approves Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- Southwestern Public Health reports highest daily case count
- Outbreaks were reported in three schools within the Thames Valley board
What's the latest?
The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) said there were 88 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths Wednesday. That brings the number of active cases in the region to 497.
The seven-day average for new cases is 71 per day.
Younger people continue to make up the majority of the new cases, with 53 positive cases in people in their 30s and under. According to the MLHU, there was only one case reported in a person older than 70.
What's the situation at outside of London?
The Medical Officer of Health for the Southwestern Public Health Unit said cases in that region, which include St. Thomas and Woodstock, are also rising. Dr. Joyce Lock issued a special statement Wednesday, saying that the region had a record single day high of 47 cases.
"While the provincial shutdown officially starts on December 26, I urge everyone to limit their contact with others effective immediately," Lock said. "We have cases in every community and in people of every age."
Southwestern Public Health has 182 known active cases, with Aylmer continuing to lead the way with the most infections.
Huron Perth Public Health had 14 new positive tests and is now dealing with 52 active cases.
What's the plan for London's vaccine clinic?
At about the same time Health Canada announced it had approved the Moderna vaccine Wednesday, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination was being given to the first Londoner at the clinic set up at Western Fair's Agriplex.
The first doses will go to long term care staff, and will then be extended to those who work in frontline health care. Also near the front of the line will be people in home care with chronic conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19.
The clinic will open today and Thursday, and again for four days starting Monday, Dec. 28.
Neil Johnson from the London Health Sciences Centre said if the vaccine supply holds up and enough staff are available, the clinic will run 12-hours daily starting in the new year.
What does the lockdown mean for London?
The lockdown starts Saturday and the province says it's to stop even more COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
People are asked to only leave home when they need to and if they leave the province, isolate for 14 days upon returning.
No indoor public events or indoor social gatherings will be allowed, except with members of the same household or one other home for people who live alone.
Outdoor gatherings can't have more than 10 people and should be distance and masked.
In-person shopping will be limited to essential businesses. Restaurants and non-essential businesses can offer curbside pickup and delivery.
Schools won't immediately return with in-person classes, except for post-secondary classes that can't be held virtually. Child care centres will be open, but day camps will not.