Chatham-Kent's Medical Officer of Health says he is pleased to see the number of COVID-19 cases in the community decline.
COVID-19 case rates in Chatham-Kent are among the lowest in Ontario and the numbers are continuing to fall.
"Two months ago, we were the provincial hotspot," said Dr. David Colby. "I am very happy to see our numbers are going down."
There was only one new case of COVID-19 reported Wednesday, along with six cases listed as resolved, leaving the number of active cases in the community at 42.
There are currently three outbreaks in Chatham-Kent, including a new one in a community setting with two cases.
According to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, three people are in the hospital, including one patient in intensive care.
"There are half a dozen health units in Ontario that are sharply increasing in case counts," said Colby. "Only six out of 34 health units are decreasing [case counts]. I am happy to tell you, Chatham-Kent is one of those six."
In Chatham-Kent, adults have an 87 per cent first-dose coverage rate and a full vaccination rate of 84 per cent. Youth aged 12 to 17 have a 76 per cent first-dose coverage rate and a full vaccination rate of 70 per cent.
"We are closing the gap on the provincial average, which is three percentage points higher," said Colby.
Provincially, there were 512 new cases reported Wednesday, along with 12 additional deaths.
Anxiously waiting for Health Canada to approve the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, Colby says health officials are ready to roll out the vaccine to that age group.
Health Canada says a decision to approve a COVID-19 vaccine for children should come by next week.
