For over a week, there were only 2 cases of Covid-19 reported in the area covered by Southwestern Public Health, which includes Oxford and Elgin counties and the city of St. Thomas. A new Oxford case, in Blandford-Blenheim, was reported on Sunday. Today’s data release from Southwestern Public Health shows no change from the weekend. The total number of cases is at 3, with 2 active cases in Elgin County (Dutton/Dunwich and Malahide Township), and 1 active case, in Blandford-Blenheim, in Oxford County.

Sadly, Canada Day saw the passing of the area’s fifth victim from Covid-19. A 68-year-old woman from Aylmer was admitted to Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital on July 1 and died later that day. According to Southwestern Public Health and as far as they know, she hadn’t been diagnosed with the virus before and passed away before testing was completed at the hospital. It turned out to be positive. An investigation into how she might have contracted the virus is underway. Sincere condolences to her family and friends. The last Covid-19 death in the area was reported just over two months ago.

Last week’s numbers highlights something that’s been said about the virus: “No matter how low the numbers may be, the virus is still with us.”

Websites to check regularly include:

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

Oxford County: http://www.oxfordcounty.ca/covid-19

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

Stay safe, stay apart, stay home (as much as possible)…and wash your hands often.