CBC Windsor May 15 COVID-19 update: Here's what's happening today

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported 762 cases of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex, an increase of 11 new cases from Thursday. 

No new deaths were reported in the Windsor-Essex region, and 396 people have recovered from the disease. 

There are 1,592 pending tests, as a backlog continues following mass testing at the regions long-term care and retirement homes. 

On Friday, medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed presents a summary of COVID-19 data for our region. Ahmed said he now expects us to be passed the peak of COVID-19 cases in our region. 

In relation to the rest of the province, the Windsor-Essex area seems to have a high number of COVID-19 cases, but Ahmed said the area also has a higher amount of elderly individuals who are more susceptible to the disease which skews the numbers. 

There are outbreaks at 18 long-term care and retirement facilities, as results of the mass testing conducted at these facilities have shown just how far-spread the virus has become in the area's most vulnerable population. Of the 62 people who have died due to COVID-19 in our area, 47 of those individuals were residents of long-term care and retirement homes. 

Earlier this week, Ahmed said he expected a jump in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in the area, and more senior's facilities being added to the outbreak list as results came in from the mass testing conducted at these facilities. 

On Tuesday, the health unit reported two people have died due to COVID-19 in the region. One woman in her 90s and another woman in her 80s passed away Monday. Both women were residents of long-term care homes. 

Gradual reopening begins this weekend

On Thursday, Ontario announced its first stage of economic recovery which will include resuming construction projects and the reopening of some workplaces, seasonal activities and healthcare settings.

"As the weather continues to get better with more businesses opening up it is important now more than ever to follow health recommendations," said Ahmed, urging people to "trust the experts" when it comes to information about COVID-19 and to use reputable resources to find out what's going on. 

Ahmed said community spread of the virus is becoming more prevalent now, and people need to stay vigilant. 

WATCH | The Windsor Essex County Health Unit's May 15 COVID-19 update:

Starting May 19, retail stores outside of shopping malls with street entrances can begin reopening with physical distancing measures. Outdoor recreational activities and many individual sport competitions will also get the green light starting Tuesday.

Golf courses, marinas and private parks will be allowed to open earlier, starting Saturday — ahead of the Victoria Day Weekend. 

The first stage also involves the "gradually restarting" scheduled surgeries, along with allowing libraries to open for pickup, and allowing property management services, such as cleaning, painting and pool maintenance, to resume

Wearing masks while in public places

On Thursday, Ahmed, changed his position about wearing masks in public. Now, the health unit is recommending people use face masks when they leave their home. 

Ahmed said the mask will help stop the spread of disease as an additional layer of protection, but people must continue to take other precautions like physical distancing and limiting their trips outside of their home. 

Previously, Ahmed did not endorse the use of masks because it gave a false sense of security. Now he says people are outside more and the likelihood of being in contact with others is higher.

Ahmed said to adjust the mask when you first put it on, and avoid touching it again to avoid contaminating yourself. 

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COVID-19 in Sarnia-Lambton

Lambton Public Health reported there are 213 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region. Overall, 17 people have died and 150 people have recovered from the disease. 

Long-term care home Vision Nursing Home in Sarnia is currently under an outbreak. There are 13 cases among residents and five cases in staff members. Three residents there have died. 

COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent

On Wednesday, Chatham-Kent's health unit said 17 more workers at Greenhill Produce have tested positive for COVID-19. 

On Friday, the health unit confirmed an additional 11 workers had tested positive, bringing the total number up to 80.

An outbreak was investigated at the greenhouse at the end of April, when about 40 cases of the disease was discovered among workers at the business. 

The health unit say the new cases are related to the initial outbreak.

CK Pubic Health reported 108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the municipality.

In Chatham-Kent, one person has died due to COVID-19 and 85 people have recovered.