Sarnia-Lambton has recorded its first COVID-19 deaths.
Two people, an 80-year-old woman and 80-year-old man, are the region’s first and second deaths of the coronavirus, Bluewater Health said.
The total number of confirmed cases in Lambton County reached 21 on Sunday. Fifteen cases are at Bluewater Health, with 20 more in hospital with tests pending.
“We will continue to get results today, tomorrow, and the next day,” said hospital spokesperson Julie Oosterman.
A total of 86 COVID-19 tests have been taken at the hospital as of Sunday, Bluewater Health said. Thirty-nine of those have tested negative.
The significant increase in the number of reported positive COVID-19 cases locally is due to the clearing of testing back-logs, Lambton Public Health said.
Residents should act as though the presence of the virus is prevalent within our community, it added.
Health officials are tracing individuals who may have been in contact with the COVID-19 patients ,and will follow up with them directly to confirm appropriate action.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who you believe may have been infected, isolate yourself immediately, and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool, at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0 to see if you need to seek further care.