Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) has been notified of two additional deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of local cases testing positive for COVID-19 has also increased.
LPH has learned that an individual in their 70s was admitted to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 22, 2020, lab confirmed for COVID-19 on March 25, and the patient passed away March 29, 2020. The second individual in their 80s was transferred to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 26, 2020 and passed away March 26, 2020. The test result received today confirmed that individual was positive for COVID-19.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the families of these patients,” says Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton Public Health. “The community is strongly urged to continue to take steps to reduce community spread of COVID-19.”
We have learned some information during the course of the investigation that is important to share with the community. At this time, some of the cases are linked to group travel to Europe, others are linked to family and faith community gatherings, and to a limited number of occupational settings. We are working to establish links between these groupings of exposure. Many of the contacts are providing reassuring histories of self-isolation, but we also know that people have wide social networks that have been enabling transmission.
At the time of this news release, local COVID-19 cases can be summarized as follows:
- Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – 28
- Number of deaths among COVID-19 cases – 4
- Number of COVID-19 outbreaks in institutions – 1
Overall percentage of cases in Lambton by gender:
- Male – 58%
- Female – 42%
Overall percentage of cases in Lambton by age:
- <40 years – 0%
- 40-49 years – 4%
- 50 to 59 years – 4%
- 60 to 69 years – 27%
- 70 to 79 years – 23%
- 80+ years – 42%
Lambton Public Health is fully immersed in the process of contact tracing to identify people who may have been in close contact with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19. Close contacts are notified and directed to self-isolate immediately.
This vital step prevents further transmission of the virus by identifying and limiting chains of infection. It also supports active monitoring of the situation and informs a coordinated strategy for infectious disease management.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care.
Please consider the severity of symptoms and follow these recommendations:
- If you develop mild symptoms such as a fever or cough, move to self-isolation at home and rest.
- If your symptoms become more severe and you need to seek medical attention call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or your health care provider for assessment.
- You can also call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331.
- For extremely severe symptoms call 911 or visit the emergency department.
The guidance for COVID-19 testing will continue to focus on the prioritization of those at highest risk. Testing will be prioritized based on critical illness and business continuity needs for essential service providers.
To reduce the community spread of COVID-19:
- Limit the number of people you come into close contact with.
- Avoid crowds and change the time that you go if you find a store to be very crowded.
- Discuss work from home or modified shift arrangements with your employer.
- Avoid non-essential trips and interactions in the community.
- Frequently practice good personal hygiene – wash your hands, cover your cough and sneeze, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands. Disinfect surfaces you frequently touch.
- Stay home if you are sick.
LambtonPublicHealth.ca provides local access to information about COVID-19 including the current situation and resources to support you. Every small thing you can do, and we all do as a community can have a significant impact on others. Limit the community spread of COVID-19
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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Please contact:
Dr. Sudit Ranade
Medical Officer of Health
County of Lambton
519-383-8331