(Angelique Guerard/ XFM News)
All quiet on the COVID-19 front, according the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
During a press event today, Dr. Chris Mackie shared that COVID-19 cases are on the downward trend. The health unit reports that they have seen a consistent decline in cases over the past two months.
Mackie credits that to the vaccine campaign, along with mask mandates, saying that mask mandates have been a huge reason the cases are on the decline.
London seems to be a microcosm of the province, as Ontario seems to be trending the same way.
“Same trends at the province, you’re seeing less cases, you’re seeing a declining time trend,” Mackie said. “You’re also seeing very few deaths continuing to be reported.”
As for cases post-Thanksgiving weekend, it’s still too soon to tell the fallout of the holiday.
“We would usually see that sort of impact happening between one week and two weeks after the event.”
He added the great weather over the holiday weekend allowed people to take the recommendation to have their Thanksgiving gatherings outdoors. Due to this, Mackie stated the health unit “really [doesn’t] anticipate a large impact from Thanksgiving.”
In regards to the province lifting restrictions, the Health Unit understands the decision, especially taking into account the recent trends. Mackie just has one hang-up.
“In an ideal world from public health perspective, we would have a bit more time to see the effects of the restrictions that have been lifted so far.”
Adding onto that, Mackie said it was “hard to say for sure” what the loosening of restrictions will cause, but with the vaccination rates as they are, Mackie is feeling positive.
“I feel like we’ll be able to handle it.”
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