Lambton County getting closer to COVID-19-free status
One of the early hotspots for COVID-19 in Southwestern Ontario, Lambton County now appears to be one of the first regions to show signs of emerging from the grips of the pandemic.
Lambton added four new cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of active cases to just six.
For many, it’s a feeling of relief, and a feeling that once again it’s safe to enjoy life and each other’s company.
“I especially missed the girls because these are the people that I rely on and tell everything to, so it’s great to be back with them again,” said Sarnia resident Elizabeth Guindon, who was joined by two friends at the city’s waterfront for a get-together.
It's a simple joy in life that was sorely missed, said Guindon’s friend Bernadette Orrange.
“It was lonely. ‘Cause I’m by myself so it was very lonely because I could only see my daughter. Yeah, it was different.”
Early in the vaccination rollout Lambton adopted the Grey-Bruce model of so-called hockey hub-style clinics. By all accounts it has been a success. The vaccination rate for those eligible is 76 per cent with a single dose, and 66 per cent with two doses.
“I think the fact that the vaccination rates here are so high is testament to the fact that not only do we take it seriously, but we’re worried about our neighbours,” said Sarnia Councillor Mike Stark.
“We’re as optimistic as we’ve ever been, but we can’t celebrate yet,” added Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriot.
He said while the statistics look promising, this is only the beginning of the end, “We know we have the Delta variant. We’re advocating to not stop wearing masks, even if you are vaccinated.”
In the meantime, the push is on to reach those still on the fence when it comes to being vaccinated.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade is encouraging the holdouts to consider what life could be like in the not-too-distant future.
“Think about how much easier your life is going to be in the fall if you are vaccinated. What I mean by that is, you know, there’s all these conversations around travel and the relationship with vaccinated. The opportunity to mazimize the kinds of things you can do will really be there for people who are vaccinated.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.