Eight new cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday by Lambton Public Health.
The health unit updated its website Thursday night to report a total of 243 confirmed cases of the virus, up from 235.
Five of the new cases are linked to the outbreak at Vision Nursing Home in Sarnia, where 20 residents and 18 staff members have now tested positive. Four of the 19 deaths in the community are also linked to the long-term care facility on Wellington Street.
There are three more recovered cases up to 173.
According to the health unit, 26.7 per cent of the confirmed cases locally have been among residents 80-years-old and up, 16 per cent are among those 50 to 59 years old and 11.9 per cent of the cases are residents between 70 and 79 years old.
Bluewater Health reported Friday that five people are in hospital with the virus, and 16 patients are suspected of having it with tests pending.