Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) is investigating outbreaks in a Long-Term Care home and an institutional workplace, both declared on January 15. LPH received the laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test results for one staff member at Marshall Gowland Manor, a long-term care home in Sarnia, and four staff members at the Sarnia Jail.
A long-term care or other communal living setting outbreak is declared facility wide when one or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 case in a staff member or resident and possible exposure to others in the setting has occurred.
An institutional workplace outbreak is declared when there are two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases with an epidemiological link in the workplace (e.g., same work area, same shift) within a 14-day period, where both/several cases could have reasonably acquired their infection in the workplace.
“The individuals who tested positive have been notified of their results,” states Lori Lucas, Supervisor of Health Protection for Lambton Public Health. “LPH is continuing to conduct case and contact management as part of the investigation. Testing and isolating those who have been exposed is underway, and changes have been implemented to reduce risk of transmission.”
No additional details will be provided at this time based on the current needs of the investigation. All individuals impacted have been notified.
This news release has been issued to provide notification of the outbreak. During standard operating hours the reporting notification is supported through our website dashboard and detailed reports, unless the investigation requires additional information sharing.
We all have a role to play to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Limit all non-essential social activities and stay home if you are sick. If Lambton Public Health contacts you, be honest and understand that isolating close contacts is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19.
To learn more about public health’s COVID-19 response in Lambton County visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca.
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