Shortages of coronavirus tests in Sarnia-Lambton

Some 40 to 70 residents had been tested by last week for the COVID-19 virus, says Lambton’s medical officer of health. “In an ideal situation we would be able to test, test, test, but we don’t have enough tests,” Dr. Sudit Ranade acknowledged.

Some 40 to 70 residents had been tested by last week for the COVID-19 virus, says Lambton’s medical officer of health.

“In an ideal situation we would be able to test, test, test, but we don’t have enough tests,” Dr. Sudit Ranade acknowledged.

He was responding to a World Health Organization statement that widespread testing is the only way to beat the novel coronavirus.

Sarnia-Lambton still had no confirmed cases by Monday but health officials suspect it’s already here.

Who gets the test and who doesn’t is also “under discussion,” Ranade said.

“The strategy here is pragmatic. So we can’t wait for testing to confirm it’s here before acting as if it is,” he said.

“We do request that everyone use social distancing as much as possible and limit social interactions to those that are essential.”