Journal Staff
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sarnia-Lambton increased by two today to 150, Lambton Public Health reports.
The number of deaths is unchanged at 14.
Sixty-two people have now recovered from the virus that causes COVID-19, an increase of eight from the 54 reported Tuesday.
Two new cases, compared to eight recovered, adds to the statistical evidence suggesting the epidemic is leveling off and Sarnia-Lambton has flattened the curve.
A field hospital set at Lambton College in anticipation of a surge has not been used, and the number of patients treated at Bluewater Health has declined steadily the past 11 days, with fewer intensive care patients.
Ontario said Monday the infection rate province-wide may have peaked.
Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sunit Ranade said Tuesday relaxing the restrictions in place would be premature if the community wants to continue reducing the number of infections and death.
The distancing measures and closures of non-essential businesses and services will likely remain even as the number of local cases drops, he said.
“It’s really important, as we think about lifting restrictions, that nobody thinks that this is just going to go away. Once we do that, there’s sort of an ongoing management plan that needs to be in place.”
The banning of backyard campfires was done locally, but other restrictions came from the province, Ranade noted.
The recent outbreak at Landmark Village has 34 confirmed cases — eight staff and 26 residents. Six of the fourteen local deaths were linked to the retirement home.
At Bluewater Health, 14 staff members have tested positive for the virus. It’s believed four were infected at the hospital, Chief of Staff, Dr. Michel Haddad, said Tuesday.