MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ONT. -- Ten new COVID-19 cases are being reported in Middlesex-London Friday, keeping the region in double digits for a second day.

Over the last 10 days, the region has only recorded three days with a daily tally in the double digits, with the highest daily total topping out at 11.

Friday’s cases bring the region’s total to 1,081, including 953 resolved and 59 deaths, leaving 69 active cases.

On Thursday, Middlesex-London Health Unit Medical Officer of Health said we are likely beginning to see cases tied to Thanksgiving family gatherings, as most appear to be from close contacts.

There are eight ongoing outbreaks at seniors’ facilities, with one – at Peoplecare Oak Crossing – declared over on Wednesday. However, no new cases or deaths have been reported in those facilities in recent days, with totals holding at 218 cases and 38 deaths.

Over 400 people attended a Virtual Town Hall hosted by the health unit Friday for those concerned about the impact new protocols are having on sports, fitness and recreation in the region.

Small modifications to the health unit's new protocols were introduced, including allowing fitness clases of up to 12 people, and 25 people on a field of play such as a soccer field, ice pad or basketball court.

Mackie said that while he understands people are frustrated, but his job is to keep people safe.

As for the new measures, he added, “I think this will be one of the tools that helps prevent [a return to Stage 2] or helps delay it.”

Here is where the cases stand in other area regions based on the most recent publicly available data, note none are reporting any new deaths in recent weeks:

  • Elgin-Oxford – two new, 17 active, 302 total, 280 resolved, five deaths, one outbreak
  • Grey-Bruce – four new, nine active 169 total, 160 resolved, no deaths, no outbreaks
  • Haldimand-Norfolk – four new, 14 active, 512 total, 461 resolved, 32 deaths, no outbreaks
  • Huron-Perth – one new, one active, 142 total, 136 resolved, five deaths, no outbreaks
  • Sarnia-Lambton – one new, eight active, 366 total, 333 resolved, 25 deaths, two outbreaks

Across the province there was a slight drop in new COVID-19 infections, with 826 new cases, but nine new deaths were reported.