COVID-19 numbers may be trending downward in Windsor-Essex, and anticipation is building for all restrictions to be lifted — but the health unit is keeping an eye on the worrisome international situation.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Dr. Shanker Nesathurai — Acting Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex — said he is aware of the World Health Organization warning of a global increase in COVID-19 cases.
WHO is paying particular attention to Hong Kong, which is currently in the midst of its heaviest and most deadly COVID-19 outbreak since the start of the pandemic.
“We always monitor the burden of disease,” Nesathurai said. “The public health service in Windsor-Essex is very concerned, and we do stay informed about the worldwide burden of disease — including what is going on overseas right now.”
Driving the current COVID surge in Hong Kong and other parts of the world is “stealth Omicron” — the Omicron.BA2 subvariant.
Ramsey D’Souza, WECHU manager of epidemiology, said the subvariant so far appears to be more transmissible than the original Omicron variant, but equal in terms of severity of illness. “As time goes on, we’ll learn more.”
Nesathurai noted that future assessment and predictions of COVID-19 impacts locally are complicated by the lack of the robust testing data that was available at previous times in the pandemic.
He reiterated the importance of COVID-19 vaccination, and the value of measures such as distancing and mask-wearing — even when they are no longer required. “We have to understand that the pandemic is not over. There’s going to be a varying burden of disease.”
We know the decision to vaccinate your children against COVID can be difficult. To help address any of your questions or concerns, have a free conversation with a health specialist at the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre. Call 1-833-943-3900. Over 300 languages available. pic.twitter.com/5R7HgmIze3
Meanwhile, the health unit continues to release daily data on the presence of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex.
As of Thursday, the health unit is counting 229 active “high risk” cases — with 27 of them currently hospitalized, and two of those patients under intensive care.
The number of outbreak situations being monitored has fallen to three, with two of those outbreaks involving long-term care facilities or retirement homes.
To date, 588 in Windsor-Essex have died due to COVID-19.
The region’s COVID-19 vaccination rate has increased only incrementally in recent weeks. As of Thursday, 83.1 per cent of all Windsor-Essex residents ages five and older have received at least two doses.
54 per cent of residents ages 18 and older have received a third dose/booster shot.
Local adolescents and youths (ages 12 to 17) continue to be the category with the least third-dose coverage, with only 8.3 per cent of them having received a booster shot.
Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Windsor Star, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Windsor Star Headline News will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Windsor-Essex has had another COVID-19 death, according to a Wednesday update by the health unit.
A man in his 40s who resided in the community and a man in his 80s who resided in a nursing home are the most recent victims of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex.
With two years between unrestricted St. Patrick’s Day parties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Windsorites were in a joyful mood to celebrate a tradition that brought a distinct feeling of normalcy at WindsorEats new home on Erie Street.
When her rescuers dropped from above through the deafening roar of spinning helicopter blades, Wanda Embury was relaxing on the beach eating a sandwich.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.
365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4
© 2022 Windsor Star, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
