Rise in COVID-19 cases across London, Ont., prompts safety recommendations

COVID-19 has been around for three years now, but it's not going away anytime soon.

More people are testing positive for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses locally, said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the associate medical officer at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

"The wastewater surveillance actually indicates that there is higher amounts of transmission of COVID-19 happening compared to even last year," she said. "We encourage everyone to consider their own personal risk and take the measures that are appropriate for them."

The health unit reported 153 new COVID-19 cases and six new influenza A cases last week, but Kearon said the respiratory season hasn't even hit its peak.

She attributed the rise in COVID-19 and influenza cases to fewer people getting vaccinated.

"We are seeing decreased vaccination uptake this year compared to last year, as well as new variants circulating. People aren't taking the same [preventive] measures as they did last year."  

With the holiday season around the corner, Kearon is encouraging handwashing and getting vaccinated to stay safe. She also encourages people to physically distance or stay at home if they feel strongly unwell.

"We encourage everyone to consider their own personal risk and take the measures that are appropriate for them … and that can reduce people's risk of infection and severe outcomes."