The COVID-19 case rate in Windsor Essex continues to decline, but the burden of disease is still high among young people.
The latest Windsor Essex County Health Unit epidemiological study shows a case rate of 47.2 for 100,000 residents, down from 53 last week.
However, over the last two weeks, 34 per cent of positive cases are among people under the age of 20.
"We're cautiously optimistic that the burden of disease is less now than it was a few weeks ago. However, Windsor-Essex is at the highest level of disease burden when it comes to other districts," said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai. "Also, young people are disproportionately affected."
There have been 250 classes dismissed at local schools since the beginning of September.
Staff continue to monitor 24 active outbreaks at workplaces and schools.
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also decreased this week. Currently, local hospitals are treating nine patients who have tested positive for the virus.
The health unit reported 33 new cases on Thursday morning, bringing the active number of cases in the community to 261.
There was also another death reported due to COVID-19. A man in his 70s passed away after contracting the virus. There have been 459 COVID-19 related deaths in Windsor-Essex.
