This morning (Tues.), Southwestern Public Health has reported the first death in Elgin County presumably from the Covid-19 virus. The deceased is a woman in her late 80’s whose case was reported on Saturday and had contracted the virus through close contact. In a press release, Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health, stated, “We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and offer our condolences to their loved ones.” Dr. added, “This death underscores what a serious virus this is. Each of us has a role in preventing more infection and more fatal cases. I’ve seen wonderful collaboration on containing the spread across Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas. Now we all need to double-down on our commitment to protect each other – particularly our most vulnerable.”

And since yesterday, three more cases have been reported, two in Oxford County and the first reported case in St. Thomas. The two new Oxford County cases involve males, one his his 50’s and the other in his 60’s. All three new cases, including a St. Thomas male in his 70’s, are self-isolating.

In Oxford County, the earliest case involving a male in his 30’s has been resolved, meaning he is no longer considered to be infectious.

As of this morning, Oxford County had four total cases with one resolved and three others, all males, still active. One remains hospitalized while the other two are self-isolating. Elgin County’s six cases involve individuals anywhere from their 30’s to their 70’s, either in hospital or self-isolating.

Meanwhile, Oxford County Paramedic Services is appealing for N95 masks, surgical/procedure masks, nitrile exam gloves, disposable isolation gowns and hand sanitizer to share among local healthcare partners. If can supply any of the items or donate, contact them at ems@oxfordcounty.ca or call 1-800-755-0394, ext. 3550 to arrange a pickup or drop off.

Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital has a similar appeal to help augment their supplies and protect their health care workers. Their list includes nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer (with at least 70% alcohol, preferably foam), disposable isolation gowns (Level 2), goggles (clear plastic with side shield), shield masks, N95 masks, and surgical masks/procedural masks. If you have items to donate, contact Loralee Heemskerk at TDMH by email at loralee.heemskerk@tdmh.on.ca or call 519-842-3611, ext. 5303 to arrange pick up or delivery.

In Tillsonburg, as of Monday, the maximum capacity of the T:GO bus is 3 passengers and a driver with users to keep 2 metres between themselves. If the bus should be at “capacity” when it arrives at a stop, potential riders will have to wait for the next bus. Public transit is to be used for essential trips only. Staff are continuing to clean the bus each hour.

The following additional recreation facilities are now closed to the public: Dave Johnson Memorial Dog Park, J.L. Scott McLean Outdoor Rec Pad, the Kolin Smith Memorial Skate Park and Pumptrack, the Library Parkette, and the Optimist Tennis Courts. Town playgrounds have been closed since last week.

And Tillsonburg’s Home and Garden Springfest has been cancelled for 2020.

Among the websites to check regularly:

-town of Tillsonburg: https://www.tillsonburg.ca/en/town-hall/novel-conoravirus-covid-19-information.aspx

-Southwestern Public Health: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

Stay safe…wash your hands, OFTEN…and clean your phones, too!