The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported another death related to COVID-19 Wednesday.
This time it was a woman in her 80s. She was admitted to the hospital on July 24. The woman, who lived in the community, suffered other health problems as well.
The region recorded another 30 cases of COVID-19 Wednesday for a total caseload of 2,275. About 63 per cent of all cases are considered resolved.
Theresa Marentette, the health unit's CEO, said three of the new cases are workers in the agri-food sector, and 14 are in the community. Another 13 are still under investigation.
There now 14 people in the hospital, and 712 people are self-isolating.
For the first time, an outbreak was declared at a construction company in the region. Medical Officer of Health Doctor Wajid Ahmed was unable to say if it was among workers in the company's office or on a worksite. He told reporters the health unit was still collecting data on the outbreak.
There are still five outbreaks at manufacturing workplaces. Another five are at agricultural employers, and three are at long-term care or retirement homes.
Ahmed also offered insight into why Windsor-Essex is being held back at stage two instead of further reopening its economy. Toronto and the Peel Region will be allowed to move to stage three as of next Friday. He said while the number of cases in the agri-food sector remains high, it is the cases in the community that most worries the province.
"I want to say [it is] at least six or seven times higher than the provincial average," he said. "That was the major barrier for us."
Ahmed said he spoke with public health officials Tuesday night ahead of Wednesday's announcement. He said it was the opinion of provincial officials that another week of data would determine would be helpful deciding when Windsor-Essex will advance to stage three.
He again insisted it is up to members of the public to continue public health measures like social distancing, limiting contacts and wearing a mask to bring the rate of community infection down.
Ahmed also commented on the amount of misinformation circulating, saying that while people's opinions should be respected, public health has to rely on science.
"Our public health messaging focus recognizes what we know from a scientific basis -- and unfortunately, when there's a competition message, it creates a challenge," he said.
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After a Chatham man was charged under the Quarantine Act, Ahmed also reminds those entering the country that it is essential to isolate for 14 days. He said the virus could incubate for up to two weeks, although most people begin to feel the illness's symptoms within four or five days of exposure.