COVID 19 Update December 18, 2020

There were 2,290 new COVID-19 cases reported in Ontario today which marks the fourth day in a row that new cases have exceeded 2,000. Province-wide, our cumulative reported totals now sit at 151,257 cases, 129,417 resolved cases, 4,098 reported deaths, and 877 patients currently hospitalized. Of those hospitalized throughout Ontario, it is reported that 261 are in ICU, and 168 are on ventilators.

Within the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health region, we have seen an additional 37 new cases reported since yesterday. We currently have 266 active cases throughout the region and 18 people in hospital. Within Dufferin County specifically, we have had 10 new cases reported within the last 24-hour period and our current active case count stands at 38, with six hospitalizations. Public Health is reporting that three active cases currently exist within the Town of Shelburne.

With cases continuing to grow and ICU beds facing capacity, Premier Ford and his government are considering a wider-spread lockdown for Southern Ontario from December 26th to January 11. The Premier will meet with hospital officials and his cabinet over the weekend and he is expected to make an announcement on Monday. Although no details as to what this potential lockdown might look like, there is speculation that it could take a form similar to that which is being planned in Quebec. Under Quebec’s lockdown, all non-essential businesses are to be closed and a mandatory work-from-home order for almost all office employees is being imposed until January 11th.

I will provide a further report on Monday as details become available. Until then, please continue to adhere to the public health guidelines, please continue to make responsible decisions for yourselves and your families, and please be safe.

Mayor Wade Mills