Bluewater Health has reported a spike in local COVID-19 patients and two deaths.
The hospital updated its COVID-19 information page with the new figures Sunday morning.
A total of 16 patients had been tested in hospital with confirmed COVID-19, 15 were currently in hospital, and two patients were deceased from COVID-19.
Bluewater Health also reported that it had 20 patients in hospital suspected of having the virus with tests pending.
Lambton Public Health said Sunday afternoon that an individual in their 80s was admitted to Bluewater Health on March 24, 2020 and passed away March 27, 2020. The second individual, also in their 80s, was admitted to Bluewater Health on March 26, 2020 and passed away today (March 29, 2020). Both test results received Sunday confirmed that the individuals were positive for COVID-19.
The health unit reported 21 confirmed cases in Lambton County as of Sunday afternoon.
The city said the Sarnia Primary Control Group met via teleconference Sunday morning and received confirmation of the first two fatalities related to COVID-19 within the Sarnia-Lambton area.
"Given the rapidly changing situation, we would like to refer concerned community members to the Bluewater Health website for updated information on the COVID-19 virus, including the number of active cases within our community," a media release said. "Lambton Public Health has indicated that they have seen a significant increase in the number of reported positive COVID-19 cases, due to the clearing of testing back-logs, and continue to recommend that community members act as though the presence of the virus within our community is prevalent."
Lambton Public Health said it's in the process of tracing individuals who may have been in contact with the patients and will follow-up with them directly to confirm appropriate actions that they must take to prevent the further spread of the virus within the community.