There are currently about 315 students in Windsor-Essex at home because of COVID-19.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has dismissed 15 co-horts in 10 schools from three local school boards because of confirmed cases of the virus. However, there is only one school outbreak, at École élémentaire catholique Monseigneur-Jean-Noël, at this time. The outbreak is contained to one class and the school remains open.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed indicated that, while there are fewer confirmed cases in schools than in the fall, there is a higher number of dismissals because of new Ministry of Education guidelines.
"Many of these guidelines are designed intentionally to err on the side of caution, resulting in more dismissals," said Dr. Ahmed.
CEO and Chief Nursing Officer Theresa Marentette is urging parents to keep children home, even when they have very minor symptoms.
"People are attending while they have a symptom. So again, going back to the public health guidance, if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, stay home," said Marentette.
There were 19 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the region on Thursday. Of the new cases, two are outbreak-related, five are close-contacts of confirmed cases, two are community acquired, and 10 are still under investigation.
There are 264 active cases in the community. Local hospitals are treating 44 people with the virus and nine of those are in the intensive care unit.
The health unit also reported a new COVID-19 related death. A man in his 70s who lived in the community passed away after testing positive for the virus.
The health unit declared a new outbreak at the Dolce Vita retirement home after three residents tested positive for the virus.
Dr. Wajid Ahmed indicated the infected residents were not vaccinated but he is hopeful the outbreak will be contained because of the protection the vaccine provides to other residents.
"The facility is in an outbreak, but it is still fairly contained and our hope is that it will not result in any further transmission. That means overall, from a level of protection perspective, it will be good news for our community," said Dr. Ahmed.
This is the only active outbreak in local long-term care and retirement facilities.
The health unit is also monitoring outbreaks in six workplaces, two shelters, and two hospital units.