CBC Windsor COVID-19 update: Here's what you need to know March 23
A daily look at what's happening in Windsor-Essex and surrounding regions
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit confirmed the region's third case of COVID-19 on Monday, informing residents that a man in his late 40s who works in Michigan and lives in Windsor-Essex has been diagnosed.
The man developed symptoms on March 15 and was tested at the Windsor Regional Hospital assessment and testing centre.
This latest case has no connection to the two other cases previously confirmed over the weekend by the region's public health unit
A man in his 20s, who is employed at a healthcare facility in Southeastern Michigan and lives in Windsor-Essex County, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the health unit said on Saturday.
A man in his 60s who returned to Windsor after travelling on a Caribbean cruise was confirmed by the health unit on Friday.
Watch the health unit's Monday, March 23 9:30 a.m. update here:
As people return to Windsor-Essex from March Break holidays, they should self-isolate, according to the health unit.
For more details on self-isolation, how to protect yourself, and other advice, visit the health unit's website.
Here's a look at what's happening in our area:
- Have these medical supplies? Windsor-Essex health care workers need them
- Have a plan for pets says Humane Society, as services reduced due to COVID-19
- Windsor parents offer tips for homeschooling your children while schools are closed
- Those working at home because of COVID-19 may be able to claim some expenses
States of emergency
Communities in Windsor-Essex are slowly declaring states of emergency in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Walpole Island First Nation declared a state of emergency on Monday afternoon, with Coun. Sharon Coyle taking to Facebook to make the announcement.
Essex County Warden Gary McNamara declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon in response to COVID-19 for the county and all seven of its towns.
He urged local residents to stay at home, even those who are healthy, for an indefinite period of time to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus, such as seniors.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens was the first to make the move late Friday, ordering the Devonshire and Tecumseh Malls closed.
The Town of LaSalle also declared a state of emergency on Sunday.
According to the town, declaring the state of emergency allows for municipalities to prepare by limiting activities to essential services, ensuring they have the flexibility to mobilize appropriate resources as needs arise, for not only COVID-19, but also for other possible issues such as overland flooding, as water levels locally remain at record highs.
Windsor-Essex food banks in need of supplies
The head of the Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association is calling on residents to donate food, cash and even gift cards, as the region's food banks steadily run out of supply during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
June Muir, CEO of the Unemployed Help Centre in Windsor and the president of the WEFBA said the region's food banks — including the food bank at the UHC — only have enough supplies to last another 10 days.
That's cause for concern, especially since Muir said her organization served approximately 190 families on Thursday — approximately 100 more than usual.