MLHU reporting 8 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, fourth wave likely
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting eight new infections Wednesday, but no new deaths from COVID-19.
This is up slightly from seven on Wednesday and no new cases Tuesday.
The region now has a total of 12,821 cases and 231 deaths, with 12,538 resolved cases leaving 52 active.
There are now 3,636 cases with a variant of concern, including 129 of the highly contagious Delta variant.
Local health and municipal officials continue to encourage anyone who has not yet dones so to get vaccinated ahead of an expected fourth wave and as thousands of doses of the Moderna vaccine are set to expire.
During a virtual media briefing Thursday, the MLHU's Dr. Chris Mackie said evidence is growing that we're moving toward a fourth wave that could spike by October, so it's imperative that everyone gets vaccinated.
"Some modelling data coming out from a number of places is showing that, you know, we will continue to see case counts climb until we get the vaccination rate even higher, and looking through the fall, (we've) seen some projections showing that we really will be climbing, you know, close to half of the rate of the peak of the third wave, which was our highest case count ever."
Mayor Ed Holder emphasized that the excess of defrosted Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, which must be used by Aug. 12, need not go to waste if people go get their shots.
"We have sufficient people out there who have the requirement...get your vaccination, Moderna, I don't care, whatever the vaccine is, not a drop has to go to waste if people did the right thing."
No appointment is needed to get a vaccine and in addition to the mass vaccination clinics there are a number of pop-up and mobile clinics in London and Middlesex in the coming weeks. Dates and locations can be found here.
REGIONAL COVID-19 COUNTS
Here are the most recently available numbers from other local public health authorities:
- Elgin-Oxford – three new, 36 active, 3,975 total, 3,855 resolved, 84 deaths, 889 variants
- Grey-Bruce – five new, 49 active, 2,140 total, 2,058 resolved, 19 deaths
- Haldimand-Norfolk – zero new, 13 active, 2,746 total, 2,679 resolved, 48 deaths
- Huron-Perth – one new, eight active, 1,945 total, 1,880 resolved, 57 deaths, 362 variants
- Sarnia-Lambton – two new, two active, 3,640 total, 3,570 resolved, 68 deaths, 685 variants
The province saw a jump in new infections Thursday with 213 new cases. this comes after a dip Wednesday of 139, 168 on Tuesday and 164 on Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.