I think we can be very grateful that our region of the country has escaped the worst ravages of the pandemic. In part, this seems to be because municipal governments moved quickly to lockdown, and residents complied with the restrictions that were imposed on us. Things may not have been done perfectly, but the facts speak plainly.
Since the pandemic first hit the Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit [LGLDHU] area, there have been 356 confirmed cases of covid-19 in the area, of whom 52 people died. Only three of these deaths took place in the community, the remainder, sadly, were in long-term care homes and residences. None of these were in our sector of the LGLDHU, UCLG East, which consists of the municipalities of North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford, Edwardsburgh-Cardinal, and Augusta, as well as the Town of Prescott.
Full credit should go to the seniors facilities is these municipalities, where the lockdown measures were imposed early, and maintained scrupulously. Many lived as a result.
The point to note here is that the three community deaths took place before April 12. There have been none since. As of the end of last week, there were no active cases anywhere in the LGLDHU area. The last confirmed case in the wider community was identified around July 11.
Today, we are hearing of a spike in cases all over the world, as societies reopen and people gather together again. This was expected, and may yet happen in the LGLDHU region. However, given the willingness of residents so far to protect their friends, neighbours and families, it is hoped that this will continue to be a safe and secure region in the months ahead. The talk of a second wave in the Fall reminds us that we are not over this yet, and we have to continue being diligent and sensible.
