MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ONT. -- The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting 45 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, a return to near record high counts.

The region set a new daily record last week with 46 cases reported Wednesday – the highest since the pandemic started in March – while another 43 cases were reported on Thursday (the second-highest to date) and 39 on Sunday.

Monday’s total makes it the second-highest day ever recorded in the London region.

The new cases bring the total to 1,864, with 1,482 resolved and 76 deaths, leaving 306 active cases. No new deaths were reported Monday.

Recently, the climbing daily totals have largely been attributed to ongoing outbreaks at the London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) University Hospital, but MLHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie said only about 10 of Monday’s total are linked to the outbreak.

Over the weekend outbreaks were declared in to two new areas, 5IP Cardiology and the 6th Floor Cardiac Offices, not related to the initial general medicine outbreak. That leaves eight areas in outbreak. Fewer than five cases are involved in the new outbreak areas.

As of Monday, 71 patients and 60 staff cases have been reported on connection with the outbreak, as well as 13 deaths. That’s one new patient case and four new staff cases in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Adam Dukelow, chief medical officer at LHSC, says transmission of the new cases is believed to have taken place before new measures were put in place to prevent spread.

In terms of active cases at the hospital, LHSC says there are 56 inpatients and 46 staff currently positive, with six patients in the ICU.

Other ongoing outbreaks in the areas are at St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School and two residences at Western University.

The region's move into the orange-restrict level under Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework also took effect on Monday.

After a jump in cases in Elgin and Oxford counties over the weekend, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) issued a letter to the community calling for patience and understanding.

Meanwhile two new cases have bee confirmed at East Elgin Secondary School in Aylmer and one at Westminster Secondary School in London. The Thames Valley District School Board says the schools remain open as health units identify and follow up with close contacts.

Here is where the cases stand in the region based on the most recent publicly available data:

  • Elgin-Oxford – nine new, 102 active, 640 total, 530 resolved, eight deaths
  • Haldimand-Norfolk – 12 new, 26 active, 682 total, 619 resolved, 32 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton – none new, 20 active, 427 total, 382 resolved, 25 deaths
  • Grey-Bruce – four new, 28 active, 367 total, 339 resolved, no deaths
  • Huron-Perth – 16 new, 51 active, 393 total, 323 resolved, 19 deaths (weekend totals)

Huron Perth Public Health reported one new death over the weekend and cases are continuing to rise in the Medical Unit at Stratford General Hospital.

Six staff members have now tested positive for COVID-19 after an outbreak was declared last Thursday when two cases were identified.

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance officials say "enhanced cleaning and infection control procedures" have been in place since residents from Cedarcroft Retirement Home, which has been dealing with a major outbreak, were transferred in.

Across Ontario another record was broken, with more than 1,900 new infections reported Monday.