WELLINGTON COUNTY – Data released by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public health shows the three northern municipalities in Wellington County account for a majority of active COVID cases in the county.
Tuesday was the first time Public Health has provided breakdown by municipality on its reporting portal in Wellington County compared to just an overall county case total.
As of Tuesday, Wellington County has 39 active cases with three newly confirmed Tuesday.
The Township of Wellington North has the highest with 15 active cases and is followed by Mapleton with nine and Minto with five.
In a joint statement by the mayors from those three townships, Wellington North mayor Andy Lennox said these numbers seen are consistent with the province's red control level.
"This is one step away from the grey lockdown level. We need to continue to be vigilant," Lennox said. "Please continue to follow all public health guidelines and gather only with those you live with."
Minto mayor George Bridge called these statistics a wake-up call after the county largely had no active cases back in October. He warned that enforcement will step up as a result.
"I urge all residents and business owners to follow public health guidelines," Bridge said. "To date, we have been educating those not in compliance. Enforcement is coming for those not in compliance."
Gregg Davidson, Mapleton's mayor, stressed that they need to avoid a lockdown to keep business open and children in schools. He too urged residents to avoid social gatherings as recommended by WDG Public Health.
"If social gatherings are responsible for the majority of community transmission, we need to listen to the data and our medical officer of health," Davidson said.
In southern townships, Centre Wellington has three, Erin has four and Puslinch has three. The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is the only township with no current reported cases.
WDG Public Health previously said they would not give a breakdown by community over privacy concerns but changed course after considering this common request from the public and municipalities.
