COVID-19 Update for Sunday, April 12

Tara Jeffrey The number of COVID-19 positive cases in Sarnia climbed to 115, Lambton Public Health reported Sunday. The increase is up from 107 reported Saturday.

Tara Jeffrey

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in Sarnia climbed to 115, Lambton Public Health reported Sunday.

The increase is up from 107 reported Saturday.

The number of deaths remains at ten — including six linked to an outbreak at Landmark Village seniors’ home, where 23 people (seven staff and 16 residents) have been infected to date.

Fifteen people are now listed as recovered.

A total of 681 tests have now been conducted locally (up from 613 reported Saturday), both in hospital and at the community assessment centre, with 88 pending, and 478 negative results.

In the last week alone, some 300 tests were completed.

Sarnia-Lambton’s first five cases of COVID-19 were confirmed March 25.

Health officials have stressed for residents to continue with self-isolation through Easter weekend and stay home with immediate family only.

“Families can spend time outdoors safely, but stick to doing so with your immediate household unit and space yourself 2 metres away from others at all times,” says Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health in Lambton County. “As for extended family gatherings, I’m going to ask you to refrain from doing that this weekend.”

Potlucks and sharing food among family for the holiday weekend is also not recommended in order to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. Cook for your household only and try creative ways to observe your family traditions like cooking a favourite family recipe and sharing in the moment over a phone call or a video greeting.

I can tell you from my own experience,” said Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen, “Easter is a holiday that we always get together with extended family, probably up to 15 or 20 people. “We’re not doing that this year, we’re staying home, and that’s just the way it is. I hope people obey this and listen …”

The city is reminding residents that all outdoor sports facilities, including the track field at St. Patrick’s, are closed and strictly prohibited. Anyone found violating the emergency orders will be charged and face significant fines, the city said.

As of Sunday, 26 people with confirmed COVID-19 were being treated at Bluewater Health, while an additional 11 patients in hospital (presumed to have the virus) were awaiting test results.

Across Ontario, 401 new cases were reported Sunday, bringing the provincial total to 7,049, while 274 people have died, and 3,121 have recovered.