With a weekly incidence rate per 100,000 population and per cent positivity rate amongst the highest in the province, increased COVID-19 restrictions in the Southwestern Public Health region may be just around the corner.
Medical officer of health Dr. Joyce Lock assumed a cautionary tone this afternoon (Tuesday) during a media briefing that attracted considerably more news outlets than is normal for these updates.
She noted any new measures likely will involve capacity restrictions.
It was anticipated Dr. Lock might announce these restrictions Tuesday but she noted it will be at least a week before any plan is unveiled.
She is is still working with epidemiologists on a proposed strategy. She added these increased numbers have resulted in St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital reaching its critical care capacity limit.
With another 24 new COVID-19 cases reported Tuesday and 15 hospitalizations at the moment with eight individuals in ICU, Dr. Lock was questioned on how long any enhanced restrictions may remain in place.
She stressed there are a lot of checks and balances that need to be finalized before establishing a start date for new measures.
