People under 30 accounts for more than half of the latest Niagara residents to test positive for COVID-19 in the biggest spike in daily cases since June.
Out of the 21 cases reported on Tuesday, 12 originated from an already confirmed case, such as a household member.
But of those 12, only 8 were linked to the ongoing outbreaks in the region.
4 of Tuesday’s total are listed as community transmission, and 5 are still under investigation.
Medical officer of health with the regional public health department, Dr Mustafa Hirji, said there is a strong link to Niagara Falls in the recent group.
“13 of the cases are residents of Niagara Falls. It makes me worried about the crowds there. It is important that we all double our measures to stop the spread, but even more so in Niagara Falls,” said Hirji to Thorold News.
In recent weeks, images have shown large crowds being drawn to Clifton Hill, ignoring social distancing rules or requests to wear a mask, which will become mandatory across Niagara on Friday after a regional decision.
A YouTube video calling for a 'shut down' of Niagara Falls now has over 220,000 views.
The entertainment hub has come under fire online, with widespread calls to shut down attractions as tight line-ups stretched out long.
Hirji said at least one of the positive cases reported having visited Clifton Hill, and now urges the public to think about what non-essential ventures that feel necessary.
“Definitely avoid crowds. If you can’t keep two meters distance, we strongly recommend that you stay away. You don’t want to put yourself at risk for purely recreational activities.”
In the past 6 days, 40 cases have emerged with more than half of them found in people under 30.
Public Health has watched as cases have been rising over the past couple of weeks with small increases to the daily count.
“It could indicate that the baseline might still be going up and enabling these bigger spikes. With the reopening through Stage 2 and 3 more people have become complacent and created conditions where it can spread more. It is important that we take this as a wake-up call,” said Hirji.
A total of 8 outbreaks are still ongoing in the region.
5 outbreaks are linked to medical facilities.
Two are linked together through either a workplace, social event, or gathering - Hirji would not specify exactly what.
One is in a ‘congregate setting,’ where many people live together.
