More than 135 local COVID cases linked to active outbreaks

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More than 100 recent COVID-19 cases in Windsor-Essex have been linked to active disease outbreaks.

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In an update to its website on Tuesday, the local health unit shared the number of infections associated with outbreaks in schools, workplaces, community settings and hospitals. Until now, such information had only been publicly shared for outbreaks in nursing homes and long-term care.

At least 135 people tested positive after being exposed in settings where outbreaks have been declared since then, the health unit reported. As of Tuesday morning, the region has 28 active outbreaks.

In particular, 26 cases are linked to an outbreak in a collective living setting in Windsor declared on November 10, and 12 cases are linked to a public social event in Kingsville added to the list of outbreaks on November 26. In addition, 12 cases are linked to an industrial or manufacturing workplace in Windsor declared an outbreak on November 16.

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The school outbreak associated with the most cases is St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School with 11 associated infections. The outbreaks also remain active in six other schools.

Seven residents and two staff members recently tested positive at the Chartwell Royal Oak Long Term Care Resident in Kingsville, where an outbreak was declared on November 12. The Village at St. Clair, a long-term care home in Windsor, also has an active outbreak with two cases among staff members.

A previously reported outbreak on the Ouellette campus of Windsor Regional Hospital has been rescinded.

The health unit also reported 85 new infections on Tuesday, including 32 close contacts of confirmed cases, 16 cases attributed to community spread, three infections related to the outbreak and one related to travel. The sources of transmission for the remaining 33 cases remain under investigation.

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There are 533 active COVID-19 cases in Windsor-Essex, including 21 hospitalized COVID patients.

So far, 80.9 percent of local residents ages five and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 76.9 percent have received two doses. Booster shots have been administered to nearly 24,000 eligible residents.

To find out if you are eligible for a third dose, or to schedule an appointment for a first or second injection at the Devonshire Mall Mass Vaccination Center, visit wevax.ca or call 226-773-2200.

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to anyone age five and older and can also be accessed by appointment at select local pharmacies and primary care provider offices.

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