Additional COVID-19 cases were reported at several more Thames Valley public schools on Tuesday, primarily at schools within Elgin and Oxford counties.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) identified 10 new cases at eight schools late Tuesday night. Of the schools listed, only two fall under the London-Middlesex County region.
The cases were identified at:
• East Elgin Secondary School in St. Thomas. • Elgin Court Public School in St. Thomas. • Mary Wright Public School in Strathroy. • Pierre Elliott Trudeau French Immersion Public School in St. Thomas (two cases). • Port Burwell Public School in Port Burwell. • Rick Hansen Public School in London. • Straffordville Public School in Staffordville. • Winchester Street Public School in Woodstock (two cases).
All schools will be open on Wednesday.
Over the past several days, the number of new COVID-19 cases detected in local schools is steadily rising. Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health, explained a significant number of the positive cases are starting to spread to schools.
"Very often cases start in the workplace, spread through unvaccinated households and end up in schools," Lock said during a media briefing on Tuesday.
The Southwestern Public Health region, which covers Elgin and Oxford counties has experienced a steady uptick of COVID-19 infections in recent weeks. The rising numbers has local health officials imploring residents to get vaccinated as local hospitals near or reach capacity. Lock also mentioned Tuesday the health unit will likely impose stricter public health measures as a result.
As of Wednesday morning, there are 47 active COVID-19 cases within 38 schools across the board. More details about the cases can be found on the TVDSB website.
