CBC Windsor September 9 COVID-19 update: 37 cases linked to 'cluster'

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported five new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, and gave an update on a cluster of cases originally reported last week that were due to gatherings. 

Last Wednesday, medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said 31 community cases of COVID-19 have been linked to social gatherings in the region that began with one event on Aug. 16. 

That number has now grown to 37, Ahmed said today, which came about as the health unit investigated. 

Most of the cases are among people aged 10 to 19 which is "concerning" said Ahmed, as students head back to school this week. 

"These events happening everywhere and it's unfortunate this event led to spread of the disease," he said. "This is the reason why there are restrictions and health measures in place."

Through case and contact management, the health unit provided a map showing how far-reaching the virus became from the clusters. 

Several businesses, listed below, also became involved after infected individuals failed to self-isolate before becoming aware they had the virus. 

Still, Ahmed said the health unit is not issuing any fines, saying it's hard to say the families "caused anything intentionally."

"What I would say, anyone knowingly if they have a disease or have done something against health advice, we would issue a violation notice," said Ahmed. 

Anyone who thinks they may have attended a gathering that had a positive case should self-isolate and get tested, recommended Ahmed. 

Of the five local cases reported today, three people contracted the virus in the community and two people were close contacts of someone who already had COVID-19. 

There are 79 active cases being followed by the health unit and seven people are currently in hospital.

Two retirement homes are currently under a COVID-19 outbreak. A staff member at Rosewood Erie Glen in Leamington has tested positive for the disease.

New Beginnings retirement home in Leamington is seeing a significant outbreak, with 21 residents positive for the disease along with seven staff members. 

A workplace outbreak is also reported by the health unit at a manufacturing establishment in Tecumseh. 

Ontario pausing on further loosening of public health measures

The province reported 185 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and 190 on Monday — the most on any single day since July 24. Data for both days was released early Tuesday because the province did not issue an updated report on Labour Day. 

That's caused Ontario to put a "pause" of four weeks on any further loosening of public health measures in the province, Minister of Health Christine Elliott said Tuesday.

That pause includes things like expanding the size of the province's social circles and the number of people allowed at sporting events.

READ MORE | Ontario puts 'pause' on further loosening of public health measures as COVID-19 numbers rise

That pause does not include schools, which started reopening in parts of the province on Tuesday. Elliot acknowledged community spread will likely mean spread in schools, but said the province's approach is to limit the spread at the community level to keep the virus from entering schools.

WATCH | Elliott speaks about Ontario's reopening pause:

The pause also doesn't include casinos, several of which will reopen on Sept. 28, with a limit of 50 guests per room. 

13 exposure risks reported

Around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the health unit notified the public of additional "low" exposure risks from Sept. 4 linked to two locations in Windsor-Essex: Ciociaro Club on 3745 North Talbot Rd. and Shoppers Drug Mart on 3950 Dougall Ave.

Over the past week, the health unit has also flagged an additional 11 businesses as locations where there have been potential COVID-19 exposures.

In each case, a customer or staff member has tested positive and the health unit wants anybody who may have come into contact to be alerted, self-monitor for symptoms and seek care if symptoms develop. 

The affected businesses and dates include:

• Oven 360 at 3873 Walker Rd. on Aug. 23 and 24.
• John Max at 3208 Dougall Rd. on Aug. 27.
• Tommy Hillifiger at 1555 Talbot Rd. in LaSalle on Aug. 29.
• Fred's Fresh Farm International Market at 2144 Huron Church Rd., on Aug. 29 and 30.
• Xanadu Gym at 446 Advance Blvd. in Lakeshore Aug. 19 - 27, 29 and 30.
• Tim Hortons at 5775 Malden Rd. in Windsor on Aug. 25.
• Spirit Halloween store in Devonshire Mall in Windsor on Aug. 25.
• Wineology on 19 Main St. E. in Kingsville on Aug. 21. 
• El Diablo on 16 Main St. W. in Kingsville on Aug. 21. 
• Muscedere Vineyards on County Rd. 18 in Harrow on Aug. 21. 
• Xaco Taco, at 300 Cabana Rd. E., Windsor, on Aug. 24 and 25.

WATCH | The health unit's COVID-19 update for Sept. 9:

COVID-19 in Sarnia-Lambton

Lambton Public Health reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. The region is recording a total of 341 cases in, with 314 resolved. 

Twenty-five people have died.

COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent

Chatham-Kent Public Health reported one new case Tuesday. There have been a total of 364 positive cases, with only one case still active. 

Two people there have died from the disease.