Journal Staff
Sarnia-Lambton has two new COVID-19 deaths, Bluewater Health says.
Two women from a long-term-care facility experiencing an ongoing outbreak have died, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 30.
Bluewater Health spokesperson Julia Oosterman said the ongoing outbreaks at long-term-care facilities are “worrisome.” COVID-19 cases among vulnerable and senior populations are what strains the medical system locally, she explained.
She fears Sarnia-Lambton is on the cusp of another surge in cases.
“Our worst is not even close to being over,” she said.
There are 11 patients in hospital with COVID-19 including several from Windsor-Essex, she said.
Lambton Public Health is recording 23 new COVID-19 cases and 55 resolved.
There are 10 ongoing institutional outbreaks, and two at workplaces, Dr. Sudit Ranade said during a media call today.
“Out of those 10 institutions there are a couple that we are very concerned about. They have significant case totals and increasing cases, and we’re actively working with our response team... to understand what is happening there and how to reduce transmission.”
There are 21 resident and seven staff COVID-19 cases at Village on the St. Clair retirement home. There are 15 resident and two staff cases at Twin Lakes Terrace long-term care home.
Other outbreaks at long-term care and retirement homes are stable, and Public Health is “cautiously optimistic,” Ranade added.
Vaccines are expected to arrive in the first week of February. But no confirmations, delivery schedule or the amount of vaccines is known at this time.
Long-term care and retirement facility residents and staff will get the shots first, followed by healthcare and other essential workers, Ranade said. For more information about vaccine distribution in Sarnia-Lambton, visit getthevaccine.ca