The Middlesex-London Health unit has announced six new cases of COVID-19 in the region; among the cases is a resident living in a long-term care home who has been sent to hospital.

On Sunday, public health officials said the senior contracted the virus through community spread, but would not reveal the name of the care facility.

The other five cases in the region include four people with travel histories, including a 30-year-old who had travelled to Mexico. A second person in their 30s also tested positive after coming into contact with the virus here at home.

"You hold the lives of your fellow citizens in your hands," said Dr. Chris Mackie, the medical officer of health with the MLHU, who is urging people to practise physical distancing to help 'plank the curve' in order to slow the infection rate in the community.

"This is our last chance to really get this right. Please stay home for the next week, with as few exceptions as you can," he added.

Four of the new patients are self-isolating. Public health officials have not said whether a man in his 70s who travelled to Spain is in hospital or is at home.

Yesterday, public health officials reported the first COVID-19 related death in the region. It was a man in his 70s who had recently travelled to Portugal.

As of Sunday, 23 people in the province had died as a cause of the illness, while the total of cases has reached 1,355.

Cases rise in Elgin and Oxford counties

Southwestern Public Health has reported three new cases between Elgin County and Oxford County, bringing the total to nine confirmed cases in the region.

A woman in her 90s from Elgin County is currently in hospital after coming into close contact with someone who has the virus, officials said.

The other patient is a woman in her 60s who was also close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently in self-isolation.

Meanwhile, a man in his 70s from Oxford County is in hospital. Officials said he contracted the virus while travelling.