Record 228 new COVID-19 cases in the London area Wednesday, hospitalizations decline
CBC
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting a record 228 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday and no additional deaths.
The surge in positive cases over the last week has put a major strain on the health unit's capacity to respond to those affected. They're calling on anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate immediately and not wait for a call from the health unit. As of Wednesday morning, there were more than 300 people who have tested positive, but have not been contacted.
"Since the Omicron variant was first identified in our community, we have seen the case counts climb at a rate we haven't seen before. The virus spreads easily and very quickly," said Dr. Alex Summers, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the region in a statement.
"We're asking everyone to take enhanced precautions when they would rather gather with friends and family, and we know that is not what people want to hear. But the situation is unfolding in an unprecedented way and we all need to act together to prevent further spread."
The MLHU posted 54 recoveries on Wednesday, with 1,143 active cases in the region.
The seven-day rolling average for daily cases is up to 136.
The majority of new cases reported Wednesday are among people aged 25 to 39 (77 cases), followed by people aged 40 to 64 (61 cases).
There were just six cases reported among people aged 65 and older.
There have now been 1,607 cases of COVID-19 in December, more than the total number of cases reported in September, October and November combined.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is caring for 13 people with COVID-19, down one from the previous day. There are five or fewer adult patients in critical care and five or fewer patients in the Children's Hospital.
There are currently 36 LHSC staff who have tested positive and are isolating, up five from the previous day. There are no active outbreaks at London hospitals.
LHSC says hospitals remain open, and those who need any urgent or emergent care should not delay visiting a hospital.
Southwestern Public Health is reporting 29 new COVID-19 cases and no additional deaths on Wednesday. There are 328 ongoing cases in the region, along with 11 patients in hospital, including four in critical care.
Huron Perth Public Health posted 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, with 88 ongoing infections in the region.
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