A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared on the cognitively complex continuing care unit at Bluewater Health in Sarnia.
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The outbreak was declared in consultation with Lambton Public Health, the hospital said Thursday.
Fewer than 10 patients in the unit tested positive, Bluewater Health said in a statement.
Visitors were still being permitted but asked to wear a mask while visiting on the unit, and visitors with cold or flu symptoms are being asked to stay home, the hospital said.
Bluewater Health said there were a total of 11 COVID-positive patients at the hospital.
For the week of Dec. 8, the most recent statistics were provided on the Lambton Public Health website, 9.9 per cent of 71 local COVID-19 tests were found to be positive. That puts Lambton on the line between a low and moderate level of positive tests, according to the department’s Dec. 20 seasonal infectious diseases bulletin.
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Ontario’s rate of positive COVID test results for the same period was 13 per cent.
Lambton’s rate in late September reached 35.8 per cent. Ontario’s rate was 15 per cent during that reporting period.
Lambton Public Health said the COVID-19 vaccine is available to individuals six and older. Adults can book appointments for the vaccine through their pharmacy or health care provider.
To book an appointment with Lambton Public Health for a child to receive the vaccine, call 519-383-8331.
The public health’s agency advice for those experiencing respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, include staying home when sick and wearing a mask until Day 10 from when symptoms begin, as well as practicing good hand hygiene, regularly cleaning surfaces, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, according to its website.
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