Lambton Public Health has been notified of two additional deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of local cases testing positive for COVID-19 has also increased.
Lambton Public Health officials say they have learned that an individual in their 70s was admitted to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 22, 2020, lab confirmed for COVID-19 on March 25, and the patient passed away March 29, 2020.
The second individual in their 80s was transferred to Bluewater Health Hospital on March 26, 2020 and passed away March 26, 2020. The test result received today confirmed that individual was positive for COVID-19, Lambton Public Health officials added.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the families of these patients,” stated Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton Public Health, in a press release issued on Monday, March 30, 2020.
“The community is strongly urged to continue to take steps to reduce community spread of COVID-19.”
Lambton Public Health officials say they have learned some information during the course of the investigation that is important to share with the community.
At this time, some of the cases are linked to group travel to Europe, others are linked to family and faith community gatherings, and to a limited number of occupational settings, Lambton Public Health officials stated.
Lambton Public Health officials say they are working to establish links between these groupings of exposure.
Many of the contacts are providing reassuring histories of self-isolation, but Lambton Public Health officials say they also know that people have wide social networks that have been enabling transmission.
Lambton Public Health says as of lunch time on Monday, March 30, 2020, local COVID-19 cases in Lambton can be summarized as follows:
– Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases: 28
– Number of deaths among COVID-19 cases: 4
– Number of COVID-19 outbreaks in institutions: 1
Overall percentage of cases in Lambton by gender:
– Male: 58%
– Female: 42%
Overall percentage of cases in Lambton by age:
– Less than 40 years: 0%
– 40-49 years: 4%
– 50 to 59 years: 4%
– 60 to 69 years: 27%
– 70 to 79 years: 23%
– 80+ years: 42%
Lambton Public Health officials say they are 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, Lambton Public Health officials say.
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, Lambton Public Health officials added.
Lambton Public Health is asking people to consider the severity of symptoms and follow these recommendations:
– If 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, Lambton Public Health officials say.
Testing will be prioritized based on critical illness and business continuity needs for essential service providers.
Lambton Public Health says 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, Lambton Public Health officials say.
Every small thing you can do, and we all do as a community can have a significant impact on others, Lambton Public Health officials added.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
