Workers harvest grapes at a farm. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / gina_sanders. Workers harvest grapes at a farm. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / gina_sanders.
Windsor

WECHU reports 47 new cases of COVID-19

There are 47 new cases of COVID-19 in the region as of Wednesday morning, 45 of which are linked to farmworkers.

All of the agri-sector cases are linked to two farms that have already been experiencing outbreaks.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said these workers were close contacts of previously confirmed cases and had already been self-isolating.

"We cannot go back in time and prevent the exposure and that's where we are saying the exposure piece is immediate notification. If anyone develops symptoms and if they can be removed immediately and the case contacts removed immediately, that's the best way we can contain it," said Dr. Ahmed.

Of the remaining confirmed cases, one was a health care worker and one is still under investigation. To date, there have been 1,725 cases of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex.

The health unit continues to receive complaints about businesses not enforcing a mask policy. All calls are followed up by a staff member from the health unit, however, no fines have been issued to date.

"Overall, as a behaviour change, it's a good tool to know what you are expected to be playing your part in reducing the spread of the disease. I would request everyone to take that in a positive sense and play their part in the social construct," said Dr. Ahmed.

Ahmed said if the health unit receives multiple complaints about a single location they are prepared to issue fines.

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