NEWS

Local news in and around Aylmer and Elgin County

Nine new cases, but ongoing cases remain at 61

February 18, 2021 | 0 Comments

Southwestern Public Health was reporting nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford on Thursday, Feb. 18, up from two on Wednesday. However, the number of ongoing cases being tracked by the health unit remained unchanged at 61 as recoveries offset new infections. One fatality was reported Thursday, an Oxford woman…

Major fire at Walker Farms-updated

February 17, 2021 | 0 Comments

A major fire erupted in at least one barn at Walker Farms in Summers Corners on Wednesday, Feb. 17, just before 5 p.m. Firefighters streamed in from Malahide, Bayham, Central Elgin and Aylmer to fight the blaze, including Aylmer’s aerial truck, seen here. Meanwhile, workers drove cows that had been evacuated from barns towards waiting…

Keep up good work, health unit urges

February 17, 2021 | 0 Comments

Dr. Joyce Lock, medical officer of health for Southwestern Public Health, says she’s pleased with the continued downward trend in the number of COVID-19 cases in Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford, but doesn’t want the public becoming complacent about precautions they should take. During a weekly news conference Wednesday, Feb. 17, she said everyone should…

Safety warning issued after 20-year-old Bayham woman found dead in Ingersoll

February 17, 2021 | 0 Comments

The Provincial Police and Office of the Chief Coroner are issuing a warning about vehicle safety after a 20-year-old Bayham woman was found dead in Ingersoll. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Oxford detachment responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at a Charles Street West parking lot in Ingersoll on Monday, Feb. 15, at…

Only five new cases confirmed Tuesday, Feb. 16

February 16, 2021 | 0 Comments

Southwestern Public Health was reporting just five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford on Tuesday, Feb. 16, up from three the previous day. The number of ongoing cases being tracked by the health unit decreased to 85 from 91. St. Thomas and area rose slightly to nine ongoing cases Tuesday…

Down to 91 cases in Southwestern region

February 15, 2021 | 0 Comments

Southwestern Public Health was reporting three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford on Monday, Feb. 15, down from nine on Saturday. The health unit is currently tracking 91 ongoing cases across the region, down from 93 Saturday. St. Thomas and area remained steady at eight cases, Dutton Dunwich at three…

New COVID-19 case in Aylmer

February 14, 2021 | 0 Comments

Aylmer enjoyed two days without any confirmed cases of COVID-19, but then a new one appeared on Sunday, Feb. 14. That case was among nine new confirmed cases Sunday, Southwestern Public Health reported, up from six on Saturday. The health unit is tracking 93 ongoing cases across Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford, up from 91…

Creative church solutions during lockdown

February 13, 2021 | 0 Comments

Churches in the Aylmer area are numerous and diverse in their beliefs and rites, though weekly communal worship at a church building was a common practice prior to the pandemic. Since March, most have adapted by in order to continue their ministry while abiding by government COVID-19 health and safety regulations. Current provincial rules state…

Ongoing cases down to double digits

February 13, 2021 | 0 Comments

Southwestern Public Health was tracking 91 ongoing cases of COVID-19 in Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford on Saturday, Feb. 13, down from 110 the previous day. Six new cases were confirmed on Saturday, up from two the previous day. St. Thomas and area increased to 10 cases on Saturday from nine on Friday and Dutton…

Elgin, St. Thomas, Oxford will move to “red” COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday, Feb. 16

February 12, 2021 | 0 Comments

Southwestern Public Health has announced that Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford will be in the “red-control” zone of COVID-19 restrictions when a provincial lockdown comes to an end on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Events and social gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of five persons indoors or 25 outside. Religious, wedding and funeral services can…

No confirmed cases in Aylmer

February 12, 2021 | 0 Comments

Southwestern Public Health on Friday, Feb. 12, was reporting no new or confirmed ongoing cases of COVID-19 in Aylmer and area, down from one on Thursday. Just two new cases were confirmed across Elgin, St. Thomas and Oxford on Friday, down from 18 the previous day. The health unit is currently tracking 110 ongoing cases…

March break postponed until April

February 11, 2021 | 0 Comments

The one-week “March break” for students in Ontario elementary and secondary schools won’t be in March this year. Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced on Thursday, Feb. 11, that March break was being postponed until the week of April 12. “At this time it is critical that we continue to prioritize the health of staff,…