The update brings the region's pandemic case tally to 5,296, of which 3,594 people have recovered. At least 161 people have died during the pandemic, including 55 this month.

Wednesday marks 20th straight day that at least one COVID-19-related death has been reported in the region, and the third day in a row that four deaths have been reported.

As of Tuesday, at least 1,778 cases have been reported in the region since Jan. 1, surpassing the previous monthly record of 1,724 seen during the whole month of December.

The news comes a week after the health unit said it would shift the focus of its vaccination campaign toward long-term care home residents and staff.

The update continues the slight downward trend in new cases seen in recent days, but also extends what is now a near three-week-long streak of COVID-19 deaths.

The region has posted at least one death per day for the last 15 days, and has posted at least two deaths per day for the last 14.

Downtown London says it's partnered with local firm RhinoActive to develop an online shopping platform that will be free for downtown businesses to use amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

January, which is still less than halfway done, has seen at least 1,144 cases, according to the health unit. December, the worst month for cases, recorded a total of 1,723.

As of Saturday, the region's total case tally stands at 4,254, of which 2,999 people have recovered -- an increase of 41 from the day before -- while 121 people have died.

The increase brings the region's COVID-19 case total to 4,038, of which 2,916 have recovered -- 57 more than the day before. At least 116 people have died, 14 just since Jan. 1.