Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) would like to inform the public on changes to its operations during the holidays this year.

LPH is modifying the COVID-19 surveillance reporting schedule during the holiday season. This follows a similar approach across the province with reports from Provincial Health Authorities and other health units. The plan for reporting COVID-19 epidemiology is listed in the table at the end of this news release.

Case and contact management will continue during the holidays. These procedures support the investigation for a confirmed case and help to reduce further transmission in the community.

The main Lambton Public Health (LPH) office in Point Edward will be closed on the following days:

• Friday, December 24
• Monday, December 27
• Tuesday, December 28
• Friday, December 31

These closures include access to the facility, sub-offices, and all services. Access and services will resume January 4, 2022 at most locations.

When the office is open clients are encouraged to call the Family Health Line at 519-383-3817 or toll free 1-800-667-1839 (ext. 3817) for answers to questions or concerns about breastfeeding or infant nutrition, parenting, pregnancy, child growth and development. Consult a health-care provider immediately if you have an emergency.

Water samples will not be collected the weeks of December 24 – 28 or December 31 – January 3. LPH will continue to accept water samples up to 10 a.m. on December 23, December 29 and December 30 at the main LPH office.

If contacting LPH after hours regarding a public health emergency, such as an animal bite, food poisoning, a disease outbreak or natural disaster, please call 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839 immediately.

“Due to the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, any type of social gathering presents a risk whether you are vaccinated or not,” said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for the County of Lambton. “I realize this may be extremely difficult for some, but to protect our health-care system, I strongly suggest residents go on a ‘social diet’ this holiday season and only do what is necessary.”

Best wishes for a safe, happy holiday season from Lambton Public Health.

For the latest updates on Lambton County’s COVID-19 Immunization Rollout or to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment please visit GetTheVaccine.ca. Lambton Public Health is also available to assist from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 519-383-8331.

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Please contact:

LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca

Holiday Surveillance Reporting Schedule:

LPH surveillance reports are not updated on statutory holidays. On weekends and days when the LPH office is closed, the brief surveillance report will be updated. On regular weekdays, both the brief and detailed surveillance reports will be updated.