2nd Elgin County woman dies from COVID-19 as more cases reported in London region

An Elgin County woman in her 70s has died from COVID-19 as the region grapples with a rise in cases.

It's the second death in Elgin County in recent days, and health officials are still trying to determine how the woman caught the virus.

Meanwhile, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) reported 14 more cases Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 66 in the London region. Health officials are no longer providing specific details such as age or gender on each new case.

London Health Sciences Centre said there are now 11 patients at its two hospitals, up from seven on Tuesday.Four of the patients are in critical care.

Three other people have tested positive in Elgin County, with the total confirmed cases in the county sitting at 11, including one from St. Thomas.

The new patients range in age from 40to80, according to Southwestern Public Health.

Twocases at Stratford care home

Health officials in Huron Perth said two seniors tested positive at a long-term care home in Stratford.

"These confirmed cases are indeed concerning," said Dr. Miriam Klassen, the region's medical officer of health, in a statement. "Seniors are a vulnerable population and are more likely to experience severe symptoms of COVID-19."

The two seniors, living at Greenwood Court, arein isolation at the home. Officials said they're following up with close contacts.

"We are working closely with Huron Perth Public Health to make sure all precautions are being taken to protect our residents, as well as our valued staff,"said Dr. Steven Harrison, CEO of Greenwood Court.

Huron Perth reported two other new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, with the total number of cases in the region at 14.

Health care providers test positive

Two health care providers have tested positive in Grey Bruce, officials said.

A man in his 60s and a woman in her 30sare self-isolating after catching the virus. The Grey Bruce Health Unit declined to provide informationabout where thosehealth care providers worked.

The health unit's spokesperson said they are working to determine if the health care providers may have been in contact with patients.

Ontario reported 426 new cases on Wednesday, with a total of 2,392 confirmed cases in the province.