The Sarnia Primary Control Group (SPCG) met via teleconference on May 28, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. regarding developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the warm weather upon us, the City of Sarnia recognizes the mental and physical heath benefits of being outside using local trails, parks and beaches.  City of Sarnia By-Law Staff have increased their presence within these locations to educate the public on the serious threat of COVID-19 and how citizens can best prevent the spread of the virus. Parking lots associated with beaches continue to remain closed.  This is in accordance with many other communities throughout Ontario in an effort to prevent overcrowding. 

“The Sarnia Police Service and Sarnia By-Law want to thank the public for their overwhelming support and compliance in these unprecedented times,” said Police Chief Norm Hansen. “With the nicer weather upon us we understand the desire for citizens to visit the great parks and beaches that our community has to offer.  We ask that you continue to practice physical distancing and stay the course as we aren’t out of this yet.”

Citizens must abide by Provincial orders and directives that remain in place, restricting physical gatherings of more than five people.  Taking personal responsibility for your health and others around you is paramount. Do not overcrowd spaces, and maintain physical distancing.

City staff continue to work hard to maintain public spaces and amenities to the best of their abilities with limited resources. While parks, beaches and trails are permitted for use by the public, washrooms, garbage receptacles and park maintenance are limited, at this point in time. 

Earlier this week, Bluewater Health and Lambton Public Health announced the availability of COVID-19 testing for all Sarnia Lambton residents regardless of symptoms. To read more information visit: https://www.bluewaterhealth.ca/news/covid-19-assessments-broadly-available-for-sarnia-lambton-community

As of 9:00 a.m. on May 28 the SPCG can report that:

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Lambton County

Confirmed Cases	254
Recovered Cases	185
Number of Related Deaths	22
Current Active Long Term Care and Retirement Home Outbreaks	4
Resolved Long Term Care and Retirement Home Outbreaks	3

By-Law Enforcement COVID-19 Reporting System

Total number of complaints and inquiries received	1043
Total number of emails received	863
Total number of phone calls received	180
Total number of fines issued	5

Lambton Public Health

• If you are in distress (e.g. significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or have a significant worsening of any chronic disease symptoms), do not go to an Assessment Centre. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
• If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms, please self-isolate and use the Ontario Self-Assessment Tool to determine if you need to seek further care.

Provincial Orders

The Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until June 9, 2020.

The Sarnia Primary Control Group continue to meet daily to ensure that all new and relevant information is being taken into consideration going forward. Daily public notifications will be issued. Please visit the City’s website www.sarnia.ca, Facebook, and/or Twitter for updates.