The Sarnia Primary Control Group (SPCG) met via teleconference on July 16, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. regarding developments related to the COVID-19.

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended most emergency orders currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) until July 29, 2020. Keeping the emergency orders in place provides the government with the necessary flexibility to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations, such as seniors. Read more here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/07/ontario-extends-emergency-orders-2.html

The Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until July 24, 2020.  This extension, approved by the Ontario Legislature, provides Ontario with the additional time, flexibility, and the necessary tools to safely and gradually allow more places to reopen, while continuing to support frontline health care providers in the fight against COVID-19.

At this time, the Government of Ontario has excluded Sarnia-Lambton from Stage 3 re-opening. Details regarding this decision can be found here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/07/nearly-all-businesses-and-public-spaces-to-reopen-in-stage-3.html

The SPCG is continuing discussions on what stage 3 of A Framework for Reopening our Province will look like for the City of Sarnia.

Due to COVID-19, cooling centers are limited. If you or someone you know require assistance due to the heat, please call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839 for details on available cooling centres.  

Lambton Public Health released a technical brief examining the case for mandatory mask use to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, found online here: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/lambton-public-health-releases-technical-brief-examining-mandatory-mask-use-in-lambton-county/

Lambton County Council declared its support and encouragement for those who can do so, to wear masks that cover their mouth, nose and chin in public indoor settings where physical distance cannot be achieved.  While it is not mandated to wear a mask indoors within public locations, some public buildings and businesses may require it.

Many local establishments have set rules for entry requiring masks, when medically possible. Bluewater Health, along with a number of other local establishments, remain a mandatory masking environment. Employers can assess worker risk of exposure to COVID-19 when considering source control in the workplace. Additional information is available on the Public Health Ontario website and Lambton Public Health website.

Throughout the pandemic, stay up to date with the City’s latest response efforts by frequently checking https://www.sarnia.ca/covid-19/. Please visit the City’s website www.sarnia.ca, Facebook, and/or Twitter for additional updates.

As of 9:30 a.m. on July 16 the SPCG can report that:

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Lambton County

Test Results Received (as per last available daily update) 14,546
Percent of Test Results Positive 2.0%
Confirmed Cases 287
Recovered Cases 260
Number of Related Deaths 25
Active Cases 2
Current Active Outbreaks 0
Resolved Outbreaks 9

By-Law Enforcement COVID-19 Reporting System

Total number of complaints and inquiries received 1,204
Total number of emails received 988
Total number of phone calls received 216
Total number of fines issued 5

Lambton Public Health

Provincial

The Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until July 24, 2020.

The Government of Ontario, has extended all emergency orders currently in place under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until July 29, 2020.

A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and at Ontario.ca/alert.

Media Release 2020-07-16 COVID – 19Download