Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) is investigating a school outbreak declared on March 6. LPH received two laboratory-confirmed positive test results for COVID-19 linked to the school.

The outbreak involves one staff member and one student at Queen Elizabeth II Public School in Sarnia. LPH is working with the Lambton Kent District School Board to provide guidance with respect to IPAC measures to help manage the outbreak and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the facility.

A school outbreak is declared when there are two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in staff (employees, contractors, and volunteers), students or other visitors with an epidemiological link within a 14-day period, where at least one case could have reasonably acquired their infection in the setting.

“The individuals who tested positive have been notified of their results,” said Lori Lucas, Supervisor of Health Protection for Lambton Public Health. “LPH is continuing to conduct case and contact management as part of the investigation.”

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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Please contact:LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca