The number of COVID-19 cases across Chatham-Kent has jumped by 17 since Friday to a total of 463 since the start of the pandemic.
CK Public Health also reported on Monday afternoon that one of the new cases is in the hospital while 16 individuals have recovered. That means Chatham-Kent now has 30 active cases, which is up by one from Friday. Local health officials said 12 of the active cases are close contacts, information is pending on 14 people, two individuals got the virus from a workplace outbreak, one exposure is unknown, and another is from a community setting.
Meanwhile, Walpole Island has shut down their programs for two weeks to get everybody tested after two active cases cropped up. Walpole Island hasn't had an active COVID-19 case for two months.
"In a meeting with Chief and Council and health staff [Sunday] evening, we have determined that it is necessary to achieve a baseline of infection status in the WIFN workplace. As a result, all programs are to close immediately with the expectation that all staff obtain a COVID-19 test," wrote Director of Operations James Jenkins in a Facebook post. "Please expect to stay home from work and to work from home on priority tasks. If it is necessary to come into the office within the next two weeks, please make the request and do not come into the office without written approval."
Jenkins said it is necessary to restrict contact to household members as much as possible and to wear a mask and wash hands frequently when in public because COVID-19 cases are rising throughout Ontario. Ontario reported 1,487 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and 10 new deaths related to the virus.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says 508 of those cases are in Toronto, 392 are in Peel Region and 170 come from York Region. Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, Hamilton, and Halton Region are all in the COVID-19 red zone. The red alert level is the highest short of a full lockdown. Windsor-Essex is now in the yellow alert level.