Niagara Region public health's daily COVID-19 statistical report took a disappointing turn this week for Niagara-on-the-Lake.

We're number 1 with a bullet, and not in a good way. The fact we have seen a spike in cases as the region moves into Stage 3 of the pandemic recovery is not a surprise, but it is disconcerting.

Thankfully, the numbers are not large: nine new, active cases of late.

Dr. Mustafa Hirji, the region's acting medical officer of health, is correct to suggest complacency might be a factor in the upsurge. Who isn't tired of almost five months of lockdowns, shutdowns and being unable to carry on and socialize?

Repetitive, even tiresome, as the mantra is, we cannot afford to let down our proverbial guard, especially in NOTL, where so much of the populace is potentially at risk.

We all know the routine: wash your hands, wear a mask (mandatory indoors in Niagara as of Friday), keep a distance, etc. … Respect the rules, respect the virus, respect each other.

We've come this far, let's continue to fight the war against COVID-19.