There has been an increase in COVID-19 activity in the region over the last week.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit noted indicators including case rates, hospitalizations, and wastewater surveillance have all shown an increased burden of disease.
"Overall for most of our indicators, minus our deaths, we have seen an increase across all those indicators, signaling an increased burden in our community," said Manager of Epidemiology Ramsey D'Souza.
The current case rate in the community is 134 cases per 100,000 residents. This is a 10-13 per cent increase from the previous week. Since testing is still limited to high-risk cases, health unit officials say the true burden of disease is much higher.
Hospitalizations are rising again for the first time since the beginning of the month. Wastewater surveillance data is also showing an increase in the viral load.
"I do think we're in a period of increased disease activity. We're in a period of increased risk to the community. I think that we have to take the measures collectively to decrease the risk and try to live with COVID as best as we can moving forward," said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai.
Despite there being no official public health mandates in place, Dr. Nesathurai is urging people to continue wearing masks while indoors.
