Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) has been notified of two 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 80s was admitted to Bluewater Health on March 24, 2020 and passed away March 27, 2020. The second individual, also in their 80s, was admitted to Bluewater Health on March 26, 2020 and passed away March 29, 2020. Both test results received today confirmed that these individuals were positive for COVID-19.

All hospital protocols were followed and managed by staff to safely isolate and screen the patients.

“This is a very difficult time and we offer our sincere condolences to the families of these patients,” says Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton Public Health. “Unfortunately, this tragic passing is a reminder to our community that we need to be resilient and continue to take steps to reduce community spread of COVID-19.”

Dr. Ranade says this means we practice physical distancing with every opportunity. Create a physical distance to reduce the exposure to other people, and avoid close contact with people outside of your immediate family. Close contact includes being within 2 metres of another person.

Recent provincial investments to increase capacity for COVID-19 testing by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory is starting return more results back to communities.

Local COVID-19 cases can be summarized as follows:

• Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – 21
• Number of deaths among COVID-19 cases – 2
• Number of COVID-19 outbreaks in institutions – 1

Overall percentage of cases in Lambton by gender:

• Male – 62%
• Female – 38%

Overall percentage of cases in Lambton by age:

• <50 years – 0%
• 50 to 59 years – 5%
• 60 to 69 years – 19%
• 70 to 79 years – 29%
• 80+ years – 48%

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:

• f 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