Emergency Control Group Update - March 17

Wyoming, ON - This morning, community leaders met to discuss the impacts of today's provincial declaration of a state of emergency for the province of Ontario. The County is fully supportive of the provincial declaration and we echo their sentiments.

"Response to the COVID-19 event requires a consistent response from the whole of society and the whole of government," says Lambton County Warden Bill Weber. "We appreciate the response from the community and the steps many have taken so far to help control the spread of this virus."

As a result of the declaration, certain businesses have been mandated to close immediately, including:

• All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
• All public libraries;
• All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
• All licensed child care centres;
• All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
• All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
• Concert venues.

Building on the announcement from the Province, Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for Lambton County, recommends no public gatherings of any size take place.

"Everyone should continue practicing enhanced social distancing," says Dr. Ranade. "This includes maintaining a safe distance from others, avoiding public gatherings and limiting social interactions to only include essential contact."

COVID testing is only available under limited circumstances, due to limited supply of tests. Although there have been no cases identified locally, Lambton Public Health is acting on the presumption that local transmission is currently taking place. COVID testing is therefore no longer appropriate for the general population, and testing will be prioritized based on business continuity needs for essential service providers.

If you develop mild symptoms such as a fever or cough move to self-isolation at home and rest. If your symptoms become more severe and you need to seek medical attention call your health care provider for assessment, or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For extremely severe symptoms call 911 or visit the emergency department.

Community leaders are scheduled to meet daily for the foreseeable future to discuss new developments regarding the current situation within our community and information from other levels of government. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

For the most up to date information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Lambton Public Health website and the Province of Ontario website. Facility closures will be listed on the Lambton County website.

-30-

Please contact:

Bill Weber
Warden
County of Lambton
519-649-6885
Email Warden Bill Weber

Lisa Brown
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
County of Lambton
519-845-0809 ext. 5214
Email Lisa Brown