Lambton Public Health on Exmouth Street in Sarnia. 27 April 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)Lambton Public Health on Exmouth Street in Sarnia. 27 April 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)
Sarnia

Lambton Public Health reports first COVID death in six months

Lambton Public Health is reporting the first COVID-19 related death since June 6.

The health unit's daily update Thursday showed the death toll since the beginning of the pandemic has increased by one to 26.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said the individual was a man in his 70s.

He said there's an important distinction to make with the death.

"What we're saying is that it's a death that's related to COVID, so that COVID was a part of the casual change that led to the death, but it's not necessarily a death due to COVID. So the way it's been categorized is 'a death due to a chronic or preexisting condition that was exacerbated or made worse by COVID.'"

The number of confirmed cases in Sarnia-Lambton increased by six Thursday to 440 and there are two more recoveries, meaning the number of active cases is now at 28, up three.

The health unit continues to monitor a workplace outbreak involving two positive cases at Shell Canada's Corunna plant.

Bluewater Health reported Thursday that it has no positive patients.

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