Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) is investigating multiple outbreaks at one workplace, one institutional workplace, and one Long Term Care home, all declared on February 6. LPH received the laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test results for three staff at the workplace, one inmate at Sarnia Jail, and one staff member in the Long-Term Care division of Vision Nursing & Rest Home.

A 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.

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.

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.

“The individuals who tested positive have been notified of their results,” states Kevin Churchill, Manager of Family Health for Lambton Public Health. “LPH is continuing to conduct case and contact management as part of the investigation.” Testing of Long Term Care residents is also underway and staff testing is ongoing.

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