COVID-19 Ongoing Support
The WECHU continued to provide COVID-19 information from the international, federal, provincial, and local level to residents, workplaces, and businesses. Onsite inspections were conducted for 135 high-risk settings including long-term care homes, retirement homes, congregate living settings, and correctional facilities.
In addition, the WECHU held the lead role for WEC’s regional infection prevention and control (IPAC) hub, working in collaboration with hospital partners. Educational sessions and trainings were provided for infection control leads of the highest-risk settings to build capacity in mitigating further infectious disease risk.
Impact of COVID-19 in the Community
- 4,169 confirmed cases of COVID-19
- 53 COVID-19 related deaths reported
- 179 outbreaks in the community
School Age Immunizations
Public health units in Ontario are required by law through the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), to maintain records and ensure children attending school have their required vaccines. Parents/guardians must report immunizations to their local health unit.
The WECHU offers programs and services that protect students from vaccine-preventable diseases, which also benefits the community by reducing the spread of infectious diseases like measles and chicken pox.
In 2023, the immunization records of all enrolled elementary and secondary students in Windsor and Essex County (WEC) were reviewed (110,907 records). Of these, 23,386 (21 %) had incomplete immunization records.
In 2023:
- More than 430 student immunization clinics were held
- Over 22,400 vaccines were administered
- 10,304 students were immunized