0 new COVID-19 cases as Londoners head into the long weekend
CBC News | Posted: September 4, 2020 7:35 PM | Last Updated: September 4, 2020
There were no new cases reported in both Middlesex-London and Elgin-Oxford regions
The Middlesex London Health Unit reported no new cases of the novel coronavirus as many gear up for the Labour Day long weekend.
The low case count comes as Western University welcomes over 3,000 students who are moving onto campus over the coming days.
"Although all the plans have been put in place for schools and our post-secondary institutions to create safe spaces on campus and in the classroom, it's really what we do outside of those places that will make the big difference and keep our transmission rates low," said Dr. Alex Summers, the associate medical officer of health.
"Some of those parties that have typically been a staple for the return to campus for Western and Fanshawe students will not be able to happen in the same way this year."
Summers noted that a local fraternity that planned on hosting off-campus parties decided to cancel those plans, and hopes other students will show such leadership in keeping the community safe.
On Thursday, 519 people in the region were tested for the virus.
London's two assessment centres, Oakridge Arena — open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.— and Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre — open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.— will open regular hours on the holiday Monday. Carling Heights will be open on Saturday and Sunday as well.
Since the pandemic began in January, there have been 735 positive cases in Middlesex-London. With two more recoveries posted Friday, there are now just nine active cases in the region.
COVID-19 across the region and beyond
The Southwestern Public Health Unit, which includes St. Thomas, Woodstock, and Elgin and Oxford counties, reported no new cases of COVID-19 for the ninth straight day. The local case count stands at 254, with five ongoing cases.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported one new case for its region Friday, bringing the weekly total to 25 new infections since Monday.
Meanwhile, Ontario reported 148 new COVID-19 cases Friday, with nearly half in the Peel region.
Heading into the long weekend, Premier Doug Ford urged Ontarians to avoid unsafe gathering and to not share drinks, joints or anything else that could lend to the spread of the virus.