KENORA – The Northwestern Health Unit has addressed a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases in the Kenora region, issuing a press release that urged continued vigilance but provided few details.
The health unit announced 38 new cases in the Kenora region Saturday, setting a new single-day record.
The spike is largely associated with a "small number of social circles," the agency said Sunday, but still increased risks of community spread.
The Kenora region, one of four used by the health unit for reporting purposes, already accounted for 20 of 22 active cases in the NWHU as of Friday.
The health unit does not update data such as active cases on weekends.
On Sunday, the health unit said in a press release that the recent spike continued a worrying trend.
“We have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 positive test results in the Kenora region since early January,” said medical officer of health Dr. Kit Young Hoon. “Most of the cases appear to be linked to a small number of social circles who tend to gather together.”
“However with such a large number of cases, things can change rapidly and Kenora area residents must follow public health restrictions to prevent broad spread of the virus.”
The health unit did not respond to requests for further comment over the weekend.
The NWHU’s Kenora region encompasses well over a dozen communities, including numerous First Nations. A full list is available online.
The agency said Sunday it was working closely with area partners “to make sure that case and contact follow-up is happening in a timely way [and] that those who have tested positive are provided with the support they need.”
To prevent the virus from spreading further, the health unit advises residents to assume COVID-19 is in their community and practise measures including physical distancing, mask use in enclosed spaces, and good hand hygiene.
The NWHU is set to return to the Yellow-Protect zone in the province's COVID-19 response framework on Tuesday. However, the province has warned it will react quickly to changing regional situations.
