In the last week, West Lincoln COVID-19 cases have grown to 35.4 cases per 10,000 residents making the township the leader in active cases in the Niagara Region.
Calculated against the township’s population of approximately 14,500 residents, the infection rate suggest 51 active cases in the area.
Mayor Dave Bylsma said in a statement: “I appeal for residents to be patient and practice public health protocols. We can’t pinpoint a reason but it could be laxity over Christmas, seasonal darkness or the notice of a vaccine on the horizon that our numbers of cases here in West Lincoln have jumped.”
West Lincoln now outpaces Lincoln which has the next highest active cases in the region at 30.7 cases per 10,000 residents.
Blysma added: “To be clear, the availability and process of the vaccine distribution is still in development and supply and logistics dictate vulnerable and frontline citizens go first. While we patiently wait let’s continue to safely remember our neighbours and elderly.”
Bylsma famously voted against a mandatory face-covering bylaw enacted by Niagara Regional Council last fall.
West Lincoln COVID cases have been steadily increasing since the end of 2020 and the advisory released by the township said “we are asking the community to do their part in stopping the spread of the virus.”
I also said plans for vaccination are under development and “until we are advised otherwise, residents are reminded to follow public health guidelines to contain the spread of the virus.”
It listed the following:
- Stay home – except for grocery shopping and essential work
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Maintain social distancing of a minimum of 2 meters or 6 feet
- Keep to your household and refrain from social gatherings
The Township also advised that “administrative offices are closed consistent with the provincial lockdown, however, staff are able to help with issues. Before you come to the office, call 905-905-957-3346 or check our website at www.westlincoln.ca.”