Journal Staff
An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at the Trillium Villa nursing home in Sarnia as case counts continue to surge, Lambton Public Health said today.
Health officials are working on control measures at the long-term care home on Michigan Avenue after two staff members tested positive and an outbreak declared Saturday.
Meanwhile, 20 new cases were reported today for the second straight day, raising the number of active cases to 61 in Sarnia-Lambton, the health unit said.
More than 100 new cases now have been confirmed since Dec. 1.
Six outbreaks are currently now underway, including one at the Insignia Hotel and two separate outbreaks at Nova Chemicals’ Rokeby Site and its Corunna Cracker Expansion Project.
Two employees at City Hall have tested positive for the virus. But Lambton Public Health did not declare an outbreak there because there because there is no evidence the transmission took place at work, the city said.
Lambton’s medical officer of health said social gatherings are behind the sharp increase in cases over the past week.
The get-togethers include meat raffles, dart leagues, recreational activities, holiday gatherings, and office and workplace functions, Dr. Sudit Ranade said.
"This is a reminder to everyone that COVID-19 is currently actively circulating in our community,” he said.
“Limiting all non-essential social interactions and staying home when you are sick, even with mild symptoms, continues to be a priority. I cannot emphasize that enough.”