News

Positive COVID-19 Cases within School Community

Public Health and Rehoboth Christian School Work Together Following Positive COVID-19 Cases within School Community

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) has been informed that the Rehoboth Christian School in Norwich, Ontario has voluntarily closed due to the presence of positive cases of COVID-19 within the school and the associated community. This closure was done out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of everyone in the surrounding region.

The public health unit’s Medical...

Media Statement Regarding Aylmer Ontario Freedom Marches

Southwestern Public Health MOH Provides Statement Regarding Protests Planned for Aylmer, ON

Southwestern Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Joyce Lock, has issued the following statement in response to the Freedom Rally and related events planned for the Town of Aylmer this Saturday November 7, 2020.

“When it come to our health, our families, and our community, we feel passionately. That passion is driving people to come together in various ways to express their thoughts about the public...

Southwestern Public Health seeks assistance in Woodstock dog bite incident

Southwestern Public Health seeks assistance in Woodstock dog bite incident

Southwestern Public Health has been notified of a dog biting incident in Woodstock, on Woodall Way. The incident happened in the late morning on Monday, November 2, 2020 at approximately 11:25 AM. The dog and its owner are both unknown.

The dog is described as a large, black-coloured mixed breed with white fur around its face and neck, potentially a black lab cross. The owner is a woman described as older, wearing a pink waist...

Sharp Rise In Cases in SWPH Region

Southwestern Public Health Reports at least 31 COVID-19 cases from Congregate Living Setting in Bayham

Southwestern Public Health is investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 at a congregate living setting within its catchment area after at least 31 people tested positive for the virus.

One individual impacted by the outbreak was admitted to hospital on October 30 for COVID-19-related symptoms, tested positive, and remains in hospital.

Southwestern Public Health requested testing for all individuals...

Southwestern Public Health Advises Trick-or-Treating Caution for Hallowe'en

Southwestern Public Health is advising community members to be cautious and consider local risks when planning Hallowe’en activities.

“With our relatively low rates in the region, Hallowe’en activities including a limited trick-or-treat night may proceed,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “I recommend families pay close attention to our COVID-19 cases as we lead up to October 31st and adjust plans as needed.”

Southwestern Public Health has advice to manage COVID-19 risks on...

Protect the Community You Love

To Our Community,

More than six months ago, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic and all our lives changed. As of October 1, 34 million cases were diagnosed world-wide and more than 1 million people had died. In addition to the illness and devastating loss of life, the economy, education, movement within and between countries, and the way we live our daily lives has changed significantly.

In our region, we have had approximately 124 cases per 100,000 people*. This...