This is London’s worst day for new COVID-19 cases since mid-April

Article content continued

Although these two factors boost the number of cases reported this fall, the increase is still a cause for concern, Stranges said.

“It’s not business as usual,” he said. “Community outreach is less likely to damage any possibilities of contact tracing.”

While the second wave is doing well across London and Ontario, Stranges said many people are slow to adapt to the new reality and are doubling on public health precautions as they did in April.

“This is a global trend in the West. We see the same thing in Western Europe, “said Stranges. “This is a marathon. With the relaxation of some public health measures and the end of the lockdown. . . Many people have relaxed and lost focus on public health recommendations. ”

Authorities must enforce targeted sanctions where necessary and increase their public messaging to address the growing number of cases before provoking other crises.

There are early signs that Londoners are following public health warnings to reduce the number of close personal contacts, Mackie said. In recent weeks, verified cases have reported an average of four close contacts to health unit tracers. He said the average number of contacts has dropped to two this week.

“I feel there is a lot of commitment to public health measures,” he said. “The number of contacts per case has decreased. This is hopeful in the numbers that go forward. “

The Oakridge Arena COVID-19 Assessment Site at 825 Valletta St. is closed Saturday and Sunday, but Thanksgiving is only open by appointment Monday from 9am to 5pm. Appointments can be made by calling 519-667-6886.

The Carling Heights Optimist Community Center location at 656 Elizabeth St. is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those who show up will be given a card with time to return for the test.

[email protected]