Journal Staff
Three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Sarnia-Lambton, Lambton Public Health said this morning.
A total of 274 people have now tested positive, an increase of four this week.
The status at Vision Nursing Home, site of the pandemic’s worst local outbreak, is unchanged today with 26 residents and 28 staff having contracted the virus. Ten residents of the home have died.
Meanwhile, childcare centres and senior homes are beginning the process of reopening to the public.
Ontario is allowing all childcare centres to reopen today (June 12) but Lambton County said it’s not yet ready to proceed.
“A measured, careful and cautious approach to reopening is being taken as a community to ensure the process is completed safely,” the Social Services department said in a release.
“Childcare centres will only reopen when they are prepared to operate within the new guidelines, including having enhanced health and safety measures in place.”
Capacity will be limited to 10 people per room with enhanced screening and cleaning protocols in place.
The county said it has no firm date for when licensed childcare centres will reopen.
A gradual resumption of visits to long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other residential care settings will begin June 18, the Ontario government said Thursday.
Long-term care homes will allow outdoor visits of one person per resident each week at a minimum.
Retirement homes will resume indoor and outdoor visits in designated areas or resident suites when physical distancing can be maintained.
Other residential care settings will be able to allow outdoor visits of two people at time.
Physical distancing will be required for all visits to will ensure the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors, the province said.
Ontario also said today it is lifting the 30-day supply limit for dispensing Ontario Drug Benefit program medications. Starting June 15, program recipients can return to filling up to 100-day supply at a time from their pharmacy or dispensing physician.