MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ONT. -- The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting 12 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, but no new deaths.

The region now has a total of 6,230 cases, with 5,932 resolved and 184 deaths, leaving 114 active cases.

The health unit is now also including reporting on variant cases in the region, with 12 testing positive in screening and four confirmed variant cases.

Meanwhile an additional 6,900 new vaccination appointments for seniors over 80 were made available Thursday, with the health unit reserving some exclusively for phone bookings.

Those appointments will be taking place over the next two weeks, starting on Thursday.

MLHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie says over 12,000 appointments have now been booked, and another day's worth of appointments taking place two weeks out being made available Friday at 8 a.m.

Appointments need to be made online through the website or by calling 226-289-3560 starting at 8 a.m.

There are ongoing outbreaks at four seniors' facilities in the region, and at the Essex Hall residence at Western University.

Here are the most recently available numbers from other local public health authorities:

  • Sarnia-Lambton – 26 new, 106 active, 2,163 total, 2,011 resolved, 46 deaths
  • Haldimand-Norfolk –six new, 29 active, 1,440 total, 1,367 resolved, 39 deaths
  • Grey-Bruce – none new, 12 active, 705 total, 693 resolved, two deaths
  • Huron-Perth – seven new, 23 active, 1,345 total, 1,272 resolved, 50 deaths
  • Elgin-Oxford – 82 active, 2,540 total, 2,391 resolved, 67 deaths (as of Tuesday)

Southwestern Public Health is reporting problems with its online dashboard for displaying case counts and no update was available Thursday.

Ontario reported 994 new infections and 10 deaths, marking the third day with fewer than 1,000 cases in the province.