After days of reporting low numbers of new cases, the Middlesex London Health Unit reported a bit of a jump in the number of new COVID-19 cases Friday.
Seven new cases were reported, all in the city of London, making for a total of 659 cases since the pandemic began. Friday's figure marks the highest one-day increase in local cases in six weeks. Once again, no new deaths were reported. No COVID-19 cases have been reported locally since June 12. The death toll remains at 57.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie confirmed that one of the new cases involves a young child.
"Another one [case] was associated with a daycare, unfortunately. That's the first case in a daycare that we've had. [It's] an important reminder that children, although they tend to do better when they contract coronavirus, still can contract the disease," he said.
The spike in cases is causing concern for London Mayor Ed Holder, who said Friday that it's a sign we need to stay vigilant as the economy continues to re-open.
"It was one week ago that London was in the first regional group to enter Stage 3 of Ontario's re-opening plan. One week later, I must say I'm somewhat alarmed now by what we are seeing," said London Mayor Ed Holder. "While we're talking three days, we know from experience from across the province and other jurisdictions truly just how fast this virus can spread if we get complacent and if we let our guard down."
Another recovery was reported Friday, bringing the total number of resolved cases to 592.
Provincially, another 195 confirmed cases were reported Friday. Of those, 57 are in Windsor-Essex, where Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed reported Friday that Windsor-Essex has the highest per capita rate of infection in the province.
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said Friday that 66 per cent of the new cases reported across the province involved people under the age of 40.