press release

COVID-19 Pandemic – Two Additional Deaths Confirmed in Lambton

Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) has been notified of two additional deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic bringing the total in the area to six. LPH has confirmed that four out of the six deaths were affiliated with the outbreak at Landmark Village. The number of local cases testing positive for COVID-19 has also increased.

LPH has learned that an individual in their 80s was admitted to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 30, 2020, lab confirmed for COVID-19 on March 30, and the patient passed away March 31, 2020. The second individual in their 70s was admitted to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 30, 2020 and passed away March 31, 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.”

As the investigations continue related to each case, and as the number of overall cases continues to increase, Lambton Public Health will continue to review its approach to tracing exposures and focus more on case and contact management. “Eventually, we may see our focus shift more to emerging cases and controls and less on past travel and exposure histories,” says Dr. Ranade.

Based on that result, residents are encouraged to continue intense physical distancing. People should speak with their employers about the possibility of remote work arrangements, and individuals or families should strictly limit all physical interactions to include only your immediate family.

At the time of this news release,

Local COVID-19 cases can be summarized as follows:

  • Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – 56
  • Number of deaths among COVID-19 cases – 6
  • Number of COVID-19 outbreaks in institutions – 1

Additional details related to demographics for COVID-19 cases can be found at LambtonPublicHealth.ca. Information related to testing at the hospital, assessment centres and the overview of COVID-19 patients in hospital can be found at BluewaterHealth.ca.

Lambton Public Health continues to follow up with all individuals 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

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