The Provincial ‘GO-VAXX Bus’ Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic will be in Leamington on Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3. The GO-VAXX Bus is a safe and convenient way to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. We encourage anyone who is eligible for a dose to visit the GO-VAXX Bus and get […]
Health
Common Sense Health: Boosting Nitric Oxide the Antidote to Getting Older
The French existentialist, Gabriel Marcel, asserted “Life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be experienced.” Nevertheless, scientists remain intent on figuring it out. The cells in our bodies are susceptible to damage. A sunburn is a visible example. Ultraviolet rays scorch skin cells, causing rapid death. Damage occurs at […]
WRH Employee Lands Prestigious Award for Role in COVID-19 Pandemic
WINDSOR, ON. – Lucy Di Pietro, Technical Coordinator in the Microbiology Department at Windsor Regional Hospital, has been named a 2022 Lerners Healthcare Champion honouring her work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards are given out each year recognizing hardworking individuals and organizations that go above and beyond the call […]
WECHU’s Scheduled Maintenance on April 22, 2022
Scheduled maintenance on Friday, April 22 at 8 p.m. Our network will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Friday, April 22 at 8 p.m. which will include www.wechu.org. All network resources should be back up and running at 9 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Common Sense Health: Is Cholesterol the Enemy?
The headline of a prestigious health and nutrition publication reads, “Do we need to limit dietary cholesterol?” For decades, the answer was yes. We were told to limit our intake of cholesterol to 300 milligrams (mg) or less daily to decrease the risk of heart attack. Was it just a […]
Main Street Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccines Available by Appointment
We have COVID vaccines available by appointment only! We are booking for Comirnaty the Pfizer COVID vaccine for 12 and up: *Friday April 22nd *Saturday April 23rd *Monday April 25th *Wednesday April 27th *Thursday April 28th We are booking for SpikeVax the Moderna COVID vaccine: *Tuesday April 19th *Thursday April […]
WECHU Closed on Friday and Monday During Easter Weekend
There are two days during the Easter weekend when Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be closed to the public. Those dates are Friday, April 15 and Monday, April 18. Regular hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will resume on Tuesday, April 19. Website: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit […]
Emergency Department Pressures Increase at Local Hospitals
Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare, in conjunction with Essex-Windsor EMS, are cautioning the public about intensifying capacity pressures across the acute care system in our region. We are asking patients to seek care where possible, for non-emergency needs, at community settings, such as their family doctor or local […]
Common Sense Health: For Men, Don’t Disregard a Lump in the Breast
Few findings cause women as much fear as discovering a breast lump and wonder if it’s cancer. But what about men who notice a mass and pain in the breast? Male breast lumps are not commonly discussed in the locker room. But confusion and embarrassment can delay diagnosis of a […]
Ontario Expanding Access to COVID-19 Antivirals and PCR Testing
Ontario Expanding Access to COVID-19 Antivirals Province also increasing public access to PCR testing to more high-risk individuals TORONTO — As part of its plan to stay open and manage COVID-19 for the long-term, the Ontario government is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments and PCR testing to more high-risk […]
CRST to Hold Leamington Vaccine Clinic Days April 11-22
ESSEX COUNTY – Following the announcement of increased eligibility for 4th dose COVID-19 vaccinations, the Community Response and Stabilization Team (CRST), in conjunction with the Municipality of Leamington, will be holding vaccine clinics at the Leamington Municipal Building. The walk-in clinics will take place from April 11th to 22nd (a complete listing of […]
Ontario Expanding Fourth-Dose Eligibility
Additional booster dose will provide an extra layer of protection against severe illness and hospitalization TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, […]
Common Sense Health: Urinary Incontinence in Women
Some women say, “You only know a place well if you know where the restrooms are located.” They’re suffering from urinary incontinence (UI). They know if they delay too long, there’ll be an accident. But there are ways to correct this nerve-racking problem. A report from the University of California […]
Ontario Providing Rapid Antigen Tests for At-home Use Until July 31
To support the easing of public health measures and a safe re-opening, Ontario will continue to provide free rapid antigen tests to the general public, childcare settings, workplaces, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, and other congregate care settings until at least July 31, 2022 Ontarians can now get a […]
PUMA Clinic Services Moving Inside Met Campus April 4
WINDSOR, ON. – The services offered at Windsor Regional Hospital’s Paediatric Urgent Medical Assessment or PUMA Clinic are moving inside the Met Campus building. The clinic has been located inside a temporary facility adjacent to the Emergency Department parking lot since late August 2021. Volumes at the PUMA clinic have […]
Outbreak Rescinded At Erie Shores HealthCare
ESSEX COUNTY – A COVID-19 outbreak in an inpatient unit at Erie Shores HealthCare was rescinded this morning by the Windsor and Essex County Health Unit. The announcement comes 12 days after two patients tested positive for COVID-19. It’s believed they contracted the virus from a visitor to the unit. […]
Locations for Catch-Up Immunization Clinics for Students Grades 7-12
Catch-Up Immunization Clinics for Students in Grades 7-12 Are Coming to a Location Near You! The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) began offering clinics at Devonshire Mall (former Sears building) on March 8th for eligible students to receive their vaccine series for Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal disease. As […]
Common Sense Health: Common Sense in End-of-Life Choices
Few want to think about it. But there are choices to be made about death. Doing nothing is one option. Life will, inevitably, one way or another, come to an end. But making common sense decisions about personal preferences for end-of-life should not be taboo or disallowed. And politicians should […]
ESHC Launches Online X-Ray Scheduling Tool
ESSEX COUNTY – A new online scheduling tool will allow Essex County residents to schedule their own x-ray appointments at the Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) Diagnostic Imaging Department. The new tool allows patients to schedule their x-ray conveniently, with same-day appointments available Monday through Saturday. In order to booking an […]
ESHC Emphasizes PPE Requirements Following Outbreak Announcement
ESSEX COUNTY – The announcement of an outbreak on an inpatient unit at Erie Shores HealthCare shows the need for continued visitor restrictions and PPE requirements. The outbreak stems from two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 18, 2022. It’s believed those patients were infected by a visitor […]
Health and Information Fair for Migrant Workers on April 3, 2022
The Migrant Worker Community Program is a non-profit organization. It is our mission to provide a positive balance to the lives of the migrant worker community by offering educational, social, cultural, recreational, and communication opportunities to help them better integrate into their new community. Our focus is on supporting agricultural […]
Common Sense Health: Building Up Bones for a Lifetime
What’s one of the worst errors that young people make early in life? It’s the failure to practice preventive medicine. So, let’s have a talk with young people about how to protect their bones for a lifetime. We know that kids of all ages break bones playing sports. It’s annoying […]
Devonshire Mall Vaccination Centre To Cease Operations April 2nd
Windsor and Essex County residents have until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd to walk-in and get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Devonshire Mall vaccination clinic. For grade 7 – 12 students who have not started or completed their vaccination series for Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and/or Meningococcal Disease and […]
Health Unit Announces Scheduled Maintenance on March 17
Scheduled Maintenance Our online inspection reporting system will be undergoing scheduled maintenance Thursday, March 17 at 8:30 a.m. This will impact https://www.wechu.org/inspections. The services should be back up and running at 10 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
WECHU and BBBB Offer Virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Building Blocks for Better Babies (BBBB) in collaboration with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is offering free monthly virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Call the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Healthy Families Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1350 All prenatal families are welcome to join to learn the basics of […]
Common Sense Health: Music for the Mind
Music may be the world’s greatest medicine. From infants to centenarians, people love music and the way it makes them feel good. In tribute to its universal qualities, Hans Christian Andersen said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Even without lyrics, songs certainly convey feelings. Among healthy people, researchers have shown […]
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Moore On Public Health Measures
TORONTO — On March 9, 2022 Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health issued the following statement: “With the peak of Omicron behind us, Ontario has been able to cautiously and gradually move through its reopening milestones. The majority of public health and workplace safety measures have now been […]
Common Sense Health: Decarbonizing Healthcare
Last week we wrote about the environmental disaster of plastics choking the world’s oceans and the consequences for human health through the food chain. This week let’s look through a different lens at another environmental disaster of our own making – the carbon footprint of healthcare itself. Here’s something you […]
WECHU COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics at St. John de Brebeuf on March 3
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics at St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Elementary School on March 3 from 3:45 – 6 p.m. Anyone from the community who is eligible to be vaccinated is welcome to attend. St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Elementary School 43 Spruce Street […]
Common Sense Health: Plastic Soup a Disastrous Meal
Why is humankind so bent on destruction? Why so apathetic in the face of annihilating warfare, repeated massive oil spills and choking urban smog? Equally awful is the “Plastic Soup” in our oceans. A picture of a Hawaiian beach reveals the folly of humans. It shows a huge amount of […]
Message from Global Affairs Canada to Travellers Returning to Canada
The message below was provided to Canadians registered on Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). ROCA is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify Canadians in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables Canadians to receive important information before […]
Rescinding Local Letter of Instruction for Sport and Recreational Fitness Facilities
With recent announcements and pending changes to vaccination verification and letters of instruction related to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act (ROA) the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is rescinding the Letter of Instruction for Sport and Recreational Fitness Facilities issued in November 2021. The Health Unit is not issuing any additional […]
Update on Hospital Policies on Visitor Vaccinations
WINDSOR and LEAMINGTON, ON. _ The frontline workforce of our Windsor-Essex hospitals, just like their family, friends and neighbours in the communities they serve, look forward to the next phase of Ontario’s reopening plan which reduces certain restrictions effective March 1st, 2022. After two years of working in some of […]
Main Street Pharmacy Booking COVID Vaccines Starting February 28
We at Main Street Pharmacy are currently booking COVID vaccine appointments for the following vaccines, dates and times: Comirnaty Pediatric (Pfizer for ages 5 – 11) Tuesday March 1st – 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Thursday March 3rd – 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Friday March 4th – 2:00 p.m. […]
Erie Shores HealthCare Lab Joined Windsor and London in New Platform
A day five years in the making happened on February 23, 2022 as the laboratory at Erie Shores HealthCare joined colleagues in Windsor and London launching a new integrated lab testing platform. It means faster and more standardized results for patients across the region. The new equipment in the Erie […]
Common Sense Health: Why Wouldn’t You Take Care of Your Heart?
Diana Gifford-Jones: You are starting your 99th year. To what do you attribute your good health? Gifford-Jones, MD: I’ve been fortunate, but it nearly didn’t happen. I suffered a major heart attack when I was 74. My cardiologists insisted on cholesterol-lowering drugs to fight heart disease. But I knew of two-time Nobel […]
Scheduled Maintenance for Health Unit Website to Take Place on Feb. 24
Scheduled Maintenance Our network will be undergoing scheduled maintenance Thursday, February 24 at 4:30 p.m. which will include wechu.org. All network resources should be back up and running at 5 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Pop-Up Clinic at Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre on Feb. 23 and March 1
Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre Vaccination Clinic Extended Hours Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 23 Tuesday March 1 Location: 103 Park Street Kingsville Hours: 11:30 am to 6:15 pm For a current list of Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics open for walk-ins happening the week of February 21, 2022, visit https://www.wechu.org/cv/clinics#pop-up.
Changes to Mass Vaccination Clinics, Boosters Available for Ages 12-17
Upcoming Changes to Mass Vaccination Clinics Grovedale Arts and Cultural Centre (Kingsville) and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare clinic to close over the coming weeks. Devonshire Mall clinic to expand as a “catch up” vaccination clinic for children. As the province prepares to further ease public health restrictions, residents are reminded that […]
Today Ontario Begins Easing of Capacity Limits
Capacity limits will be lifted in most indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, including restaurants and bars, gyms, meeting and event spaces, and more. As part of Ontario’s cautious and gradual approach, starting today, indoor social gathering limits increase to 50 people. Outdoor social gathering limits increase […]
Common Sense Health: Do You Have an Inflammatory Lifestyle?
Chronic inflammation is unlike what happens with a cut or an invading germ when the immune system mounts a fight and then stands down. In such cases, inflammation is part of the healing response. But when lifestyle issues have the immune system active all the time, there may be no […]
Youth Ages 12-17 Can Book COVID Booster Appointments as of Feb. 18
Starting Feb 18 at 8 a.m., youth 12-17 will be able to book their booster dose appointment: * at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine * by calling 1-833-943-3900 * at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine Appointments will be 6 months after a second dose. https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001600/ontario-moving-to-next-phase-of-reopening-on-february-17 Visit the COVID-19 Information Center for vaccine resources.
Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
Improvements in key indicators allowing province to safely ease public health measures sooner TORONTO — With key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously and gradually easing public health measures sooner, with the next […]
Province Announces New Ontario Health Team in Windsor-Essex
The provincial government is partnering with Ontario Health to create a new Ontario Health Team in Windsor-Essex and providing up to $1.1 million to help it “seamlessly integrate health care services for patients and support the region’s continued response to COVID-19.” The Windsor Essex Ontario Health Team “will break down […]
Ontario Health Cards Can Be Renewed Until September 30
Ontario Is Extending Health Card Renewal Requirement To ensure all individuals can continue to access health care services, Ontario is extending the requirement to renew health cards until September 30. Ontarians will continue to be able to use their expired health card, including a red and white health card, to […]
Rapid Tests at Main Street Pharmacy While Supplies Last
You can pick up a COVID-19 rapid test for your household from the Main Street Pharmacy while supplies last. They are first come first served and will be limited to one kit per household. From the Ontario Ministry of Health: To further support the province’s cautious easing of public health […]
Common Sense Health: A Wave of Heart Disease Among Healthcare Workers?
There has always been a lot of heart in the practice of medicine – literally and figuratively. Typically, the focus is on the beating heart of the patient. But has the pandemic, unlike any challenge to the medical profession before, impacted the hearts of front-line healthcare workers themselves? Medicine is […]
Comirnaty (Pfizer) Vaccines at Main Street Pharmacy From Feb. 9
We are currently booking appointments at Main Street Pharmacy for Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines. Adult Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines are available Feb. 9 – 12 and Feb. 14th: This is for first, second, third and booster doses. Pediatric Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines are available Feb. 10 – 12, Feb.14 and 15th: This is […]
Kingsville’s Grovedale Serves as New Mass Vaccination Site
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit and its partners are relocating the mass vaccination site at Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington to the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre, 103 Park Street in Kingsville, effective Tuesday, February 8, 2022. The clinic will operate Tuesday to Saturday each week, from 9 am […]
New Location Announced for County-Based Mass Vaccination Clinic
The health unit and partners are relocating the mass vaccination site currently located at Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre in Leamington with the final doses being administered at this site on Saturday, February 5th. The location reopened its doors on January 5th to enhance access to booster doses in response to […]
Transportation, Childcare & Accessibility Supports for COVID Vaccinations
Some individuals may experience greater difficulty in attending their COVID-19 vaccination appointment due to potential barriers, including a lack of safe transportation, childcare services, or other accessibility concerns. There is a variety of local supports available to reduce these barriers and help residents who have appointments attend the vaccination sites. […]
Common Sense Health: Grandma Took the Wrong Pill
Unintentional poisonings are on the rise. Deaths from poisoning occur at double the rate of motor vehicle deaths. It’s a heartbreaking fact that many deaths and injuries are completely avoidable, especially when young children are the victims. Yet, it may be surprising to know this: while children under age 5 […]
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Supply Increases and Walk-ins Accepted
On December 18, 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Health put in place recommendations to preserve the limited availability of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine to only those who were identified for a preferential dose of the vaccine (i.e., those between 12-29 years of age). Due to a currently stable supply of […]
Common Sense Health: Stand Up To Read This Week’s Column
Get up on your feet. Seriously. It will be good for you. Sitting is something we have all become accustomed to doing a lot more of lately. Just prior to the pandemic, studies showed that the average adult spent about 6.5 hours a day sitting – an hour longer than […]
Main Street Pharmacy Has SpikeVax (Moderna) Vaccine Jan. 25-28
We have SpikeVax (Moderna) appointments available at Main Street Pharmacy from Tuesday, Jan. 25 to Friday, Jan. 28. Check out our COVID Vaccine Eligibility Checker page to see if you’re eligible for a vaccine. Call 519-712-8800 to book an appointment. Location: 103 – 200 Main Street East Kingsville, Ont. Phone: (519) 712-8800 […]
Changes in Limits for Indoor Public Settings to Occur on Jan. 31
On January 31, a capacity limit of 50% will be maintained in indoor public settings including restaurants and bars, gyms, meeting and event spaces, and more. Learn more: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/public-health-measures
Walk-In Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics in Essex County Jan. 25-31
Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics No appointment or health card required. The following Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics will be open for walk-ins: – to individuals aged 5 years or older for first and second doses and – to eligible individuals for third doses Those who are eligible to receive their first, second, or […]
Ontario Outlines Steps to Gradually Ease Public Health Measures
Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures Time-limited Measures to Blunt Spread of Omicron Protecting Hospital and Health Care Capacity TORONTO — With key public health and health care indicators starting to show signs of improvement, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer […]
Common Sense Health: Who Has Lost the Logic in the Vaccine Debate?
Why would any logical person choose to face severe medical complications of COVID if they could be avoided? Most of us have weighed the issues and decided to follow vaccine recommendations. But some flatly refuse. Why? No issue is crying out louder for resolution than this vaccine debate. Now governments […]
Applications Now Open for Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Government supporting eligible businesses with property tax and energy costs TORONTO — Eligible businesses required to close or reduce capacity due to the current public health measures put in place to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can apply for the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program starting today. Through the […]
Moderna Vaccine Available at Main Street Pharmacy from Jan. 18-21
We are currently booking appointments for SpikeVax (Moderna) for Tuesday afternoon through Friday. You can call the pharmacy at 519-712-8800 to book an appointment. Check out our COVID Vaccine Eligibility Checker page to see if you’re eligible for a vaccine. * We are having issues with Facebook about our website. […]
Ontario Cuts Electricity Rates to Help Workers, Families, Small Businesses
Off-peak rates provide immediate savings as Ontarians spend more time at home while public health measures are in place TORONTO – The Ontario government is providing 21 days of electricity-rate relief to support families and workers spending more time at home, as well as small businesses, consistent with the length […]
Kingsville Vaccine Clinic Taking Place Jan. 18 & 20
KINGSVILLE VACCINE CLINIC We’ll be holding two public vaccine clinics in Kingsville at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre. Clinics will take place Tuesday (18th) and Thursday (20th). No appointments are required, just show up and get vaccinated. Location: Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre 103 Park Street Dates: Tuesday, January […]
WECHU News Release: Letter of Instruction Rescinded
Effective immediately, the Letter of Instruction suspending the arrival of workers participating in the federal Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program in Windsor and Essex County is rescinded. The instructions were issued on Tuesday evening and required owners and operators of businesses who employ TFWs in the region to cancel, suspend, […]
Fourth Dose Boosters Now Available for Immunocompromised
Immunocompromised individuals can now receive a 4th dose (booster) of the COVID-19 vaccine as early as 84 days after their 3rd dose. You will need to bring a referral letter, prescription or medication bottle to your appointment to confirm eligibility. Book an appointment: – by calling 1-833-943-3900 – through public […]
Free Naloxone Kits Available at Main Street Pharmacy
Did you know that naloxone can reduce the harm of an opioid overdose and help save a life? If you or anyone you know uses opioid medication, having a naloxone kit is important. A reminder to everyone that free naloxone kits are available at our pharmacy. Anyone is welcome to walk […]
Common Sense Health: How Much Longer Can Parents Take It?
Remember the movie, “Network”? Howard Beale, the TV news anchor, encouraged viewers to go their windows and yell out, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” How many parents feel that way about school closings? Uncertainty about openings and closings is bad enough. But […]
Main Street Pharmacy Has Moderna Vaccine at New Address
We have a shipment of Spikevax (Moderna) in at Main Street Pharmacy, and we are scheduling appointments for January 13th and 14th. Call the pharmacy at 519-712-8800 to schedule your appointment for a vaccine now. As a reminder current eligibility criteria for the vaccine we have in stock are: First Dose: […]
WECHU Announces Scheduled Maintenance January 14
Our network will be undergoing scheduled maintenance Friday, January 14 at 8 p.m. which will include wechu.org. All network resources should be back up and running at 8:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT Phone: 519-258-2146 Website: wechu.org
ServiceOntario in Leamington Closes Until January 17
We will be closed this week. We are following COVID public health guidelines. We anticipate being open January 17th. If you need something done ASAP then visit our Essex office. Essex Office Location: 20 Talbot Street South, Unit 2 Essex, Ontario N8M 1A7 Essex Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. […]
Common Sense Health: Is Virtual Healthcare the New Normal?
The current pandemic is deeply affecting many aspects of society. Accelerated usage of virtual healthcare is a good example. While frontline healthcare workers serve patients needing essential in-person care, some doctors and patients are meeting up over the phone or on video calls. Virtual healthcare is well known to those […]
Ontario Providing Supports for Small Businesses, Workers and Families
Province’s plan includes $10,000 grant for eligible small businesses and additional electricity-rate relief TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing targeted relief for businesses and people impacted by the current public health measures aimed at blunting the spread of the Omicron variant. As part of this plan, the government is […]
Common Sense Health: Ring in the New Year with Your Inner Mountaineer
It’s not what we were hoping for at this time of year. The doom and gloom of Omicron has many people feeling down. But casting your gaze upwards might be just the right move. For a New Year’s Resolution, this might be a good time to channel your inner mountaineer. […]
Temporary COVID-19 Health Measures for Ontario Will Begin Jan. 5
For indoor businesses: Starting January 5, retail settings, including shopping malls, will operate at 50% capacity, and physical distancing will be required in line-ups. Businesses providing personal care services will also be reduced to 50% capacity. Indoor dining will close at restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments for […]
Health Unit Provides Direction Amidst Provincial COVID Contacting Delays
News Release: Health Unit Provides Direction Amidst Provincial Delays in Contacting COVID-19 Cases The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit would like to notify residents of Windsor-Essex that due to a high volume of cases across Ontario, the provincial service which provides assistance in contacting positive cases is experiencing delays. If you […]
Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step 2 of Roadmap to Reopen
Time-limited measures needed to preserve hospital capacity as province continues to accelerate booster dose rollout TORONTO — In response to recent trends that show an alarming increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of […]
WECHU Announces New Guidance on PCR Testing
Region pivoting to follow new provincial guidance. As announced today by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, new provincial guidance was provided on PCR testing today that is effective tomorrow, December 31. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is working closely with leads for local assessment and testing centres, Windsor Regional […]
Ontario Updates Public Health Measures and Guidance Responding to Omicron
Students Returning to In-Person Learning on January 5, 2022 TORONTO — In response to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking further action to provide additional protection to high-risk settings, and continue to safeguard hospitals and ICU capacity […]
Ministry of Health Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Certificates
Settings that require proof-of-vaccination will no longer accept physician notes starting January 10. How to get your COVID-19 vaccine certificate You can get your certificate no matter where you were vaccinated (for example, at a pharmacy, mass immunization clinic, hospital, or primary care setting) or if you have an active […]
Ontario Takes Further Action to Keep Long-Term Care Residents Safe
Additional measures being put in place to protect residents and staff against Omicron variant TORONTO — In response to the evolving Omicron situation, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking further actions to protect the health and safety of residents, staff and caregivers […]
Common Sense Health: What Could Go So Wrong at a Holiday Luncheon
The immortal Shakespeare wrote in the play Macbeth, “Each new morn new widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows strike heaven on the face.” He was not wrong. Readers may wonder how I am faring as I near the start of my 99th year. I am glad to report, while getting […]
WECHU Release: Leamington Vaccination Clinics Offered in January
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington and the County of Essex, will be re-opening a mass vaccination clinic at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre (formerly Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex) in Leamington starting on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. The clinic, located at 249 […]
Health Partners Warn of Intense System Pressures and Longer Wait Times
Our three Windsor-Essex hospitals, in conjunction with Essex-Windsor EMS and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, are cautioning the public about intensifying capacity pressures across the acute care system in our region. Hospitals are reporting significant bed capacity concerns amid not only rising COVID-19 cases but also a recent surge in […]
Celebrate Safely and Maintain Your Mental Health this Holiday Season
Spread goodwill and cheer this holiday season, not COVID-19. The holiday season is upon us and this year it remains essential to celebrate safely by following public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases in our community. Follow these recommendations to keep safe this holiday season: – Host […]
Ontario Extending COVID-19 Paid Sick Days
Support for workers and employers will continue until July 31, 2022 TORONTO – The Ontario government is extending its Worker Income Protection Benefit program, which provides paid sick days, until July 31, 2022 to continue keeping workers safe and ensure they do not lose pay if they need to miss […]
Ontario Further Strengthening Response to Omicron
Additional measures to slow the spread as province accelerates booster dose rollout TORONTO — In response to the rapidly-spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is applying additional public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity and social gathering […]
Main Street Pharmacy Announces New Location and Booster Updates
Ontario has announced that patients will be eligible for booster doses starting on Monday Dec. 20th if they are 18 years of age or older, and if it has been 3 months since their last dose. I want to ask you for your patience in scheduling booster shots as the […]
Adults 50+ Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster
Are you 50 or older and looking to get your COVID-19 vaccine booster dose? You can schedule your third dose appointment now or attend a local pop-up vaccination clinic if your second dose was at least 6 months (168 days) ago. Visit www.WEVax.ca for more information. Eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccine third […]
Common Sense Health: The Changing Nature of Birth
We said goodbye to a beloved 17-year-old dog this week. She had rapidly lost quality of life. As sad as it was, few would have any qualms whatsoever with the vet’s provision of humane, painless, and sensible euthanasia. But what’s going on with medical interventions at the great miracle of […]
Ontario Responding to Omicron and Protecting Our Progress
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is introducing several measures that will strengthen the province’s proof of vaccination requirements and enhance public health measures. Together these actions will help reduce the risk of transmission during the winter months and further encourage every eligible Ontarian […]
Ontario Extends Pause on Lifting Certain Capacity Limits
Ontario Extending Pause on Lifting Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required Cautious Approach Key to Protecting Our Progress as Province Learns More About the Omicron Variant TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is extending its pause on the lifting of […]
Common Sense Health: Happy Hour with a Hedgehog?
These days, too many things are all wrong. But now and again, everything that’s right in the world comes together. We found such a place in a local neighbourhood restaurant recently, where good food, good music, and good company combined to make everybody happy. But was it healthy? Almost, but […]
Erie Shores HealthCare Is Enhancing Visitor Screening Requirements
BEGINNING MONDAY, DEC. 6, 2021 new enhanced visitor screening will come into effect requiring all visitors to test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test on entry to the hospital. Unvaccinated visitors will also be required to provide hospital screeners with proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72-hours of […]
WECHU Update Due to Recent Rise in COVID-19 Cases
Local Health Unit Aims to Address Surge in Cases With cases of COVID-19 climbing steadily in the past month, local health officials are once again putting in place restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. An updated Letter of Instruction from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) addresses the […]
Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster Shot?
Certain groups are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot if at least six months have passed since their last dose. For questions about eligibility, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine or contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Are you eligible to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? You can […]
Ontario Accelerating Booster Eligibility to Adults Aged 50+
Province Providing an Extra Layer of Protection Against COVID-19 and Variants TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is accelerating COVID-19 vaccine booster dose eligibility to Ontarians aged 50 and over and additional high-risk individuals, providing an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 […]
Main Street Pharmacy Booking Pfizer Shots Dec. 5-6 for Ages 5-11
We are now booking appointments for the 5-11 year old Pfizer vaccines at Main Street Pharmacy. We will have openings all day Sunday, Dec. 5th and during the evening of Monday, Dec. 6th. Scheduling an appointments is required. Call 519-712-8800 to book an appointment. Location: 19 Main Street West Kingsville Ontario […]
Common Sense Health: What’s Wrong with Hearing Aids
Peter Drucker, the management theorist, who wore hearing aids later in life, famously remarked, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” The hearing aid industry would be wise to listen in. For all the big noise about what can be heard when people with hearing impairment […]
Common Sense Health: Goodnight Moon and Goodnight Doctor, Whispering ‘Stop it!’
This column, over 45 years, has begged people to make the lifestyle changes that will help them avoid the development of type 2 diabetes. Failing that, there’s mounting scientific evidence that natural supplements supporting glycemic control can help mitigate dietary obstinance and lack of exercise. And in the event diabetes […]
WECHU: Children 5-11 Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine as of Nov. 25
As announced on Friday, children 5 to 11 years of age are now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (Comirnaty) vaccine in Canada. Locally, appointment slots at the Devonshire Mall mass vaccination clinic are now available with the first appointments taking place this Thursday morning. According to Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, […]




















































































