Journal Staff
The COVID-19 picture continues to improve in Sarnia-Lambton, with one new additional case reported today and another six people having recovering from the disease.
Lambton Public Health said the total number of cases stands at 194, with 133 people recovered.
The death toll is unchanged at 16. Half the victims were residents of local senior homes.
One institutional outbreak is still officially ongoing at Vision Nursing Home, where four residents and two staff have been infected.
Senior officials at the home yesterday told The Journal no new positive test results have been received for some time and they are hopeful the outbreak will soon be declared over.
Seven COVID-19 patients are being treated at Bluewater Health, the lowest number at the hospital in a month.
Meanwhile, Sarnia announced Friday the reopening of the Centennial Park boat launch and the lifting of a ban on backyard fires.
Residents are reminded they must continue to comply with the city’s open burning bylaw, the city said.
Provincial requirements are still in place for social distancing and gatherings of more than five people. Backyard recreational fires are limited to members of the immediate household only, the city said.
“With the provincial rollout of Phase 1, we are now in a position to ease restrictions,” said Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen.
“We would like to thank the vast majority of citizens for your continued cooperation and the sacrifices that you made for our community during these difficult times.”
City police and bylaw enforcement have charged five people with violating emergency orders.
Lambton County said Friday that levels of personal protective equipment are at “satisfactory” levels across county operations.
That could change depending on how the COVID situation progresses, and county staff are currently reaching out to community partners to determine the need for additional PPE and assisting where possible.