Rise in COVID-19 cases across London, Ont., prompts safety recommendations

More people are testing positive for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses locally, said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the associate medical officer at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

More people are testing positive for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses locally, said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the associate medical officer at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

"The wastewater surveillance actually indicates that there is higher amounts of transmission of COVID-19 happening compared to even last year," she said. "We encourage everyone to consider their own personal risk and take the measures that are appropriate for them."

The health unit reported 153 new COVID-19 cases and six new influenza A cases last week, but Kearon said the respiratory season hasn't even hit its peak. With the holiday season around the corner, Kearon is encouraging handwashing and getting vaccinated to stay safe. She also encourages people to physically distance or stay at home if they feel strongly unwell. "We encourage everyone to consider their own personal risk and take the measures that are appropriate for them … and that can reduce people's risk of infection and severe outcomes."