There are four new COVID-19 outbreaks in Lambton County today.

Lambton Public Health releases data on the pandemic three times a week. Friday, public health reported 105 new cases since the previous Wednesday and Monday another 79 cases were reported.

The uptick in cases is in line with provincial statistics which have been steadily increasing this week, as a new variant of the virus starts to circulate in the wake of the lifting of gathering limits and mask mandates.

Monday Public Health Ontario reported 2,248 new cases with testing limited to long term care, retirement homes, hospitals and congregate care settings. The weekly average of cases in Ontario is now 2,808 cases per day.

In Lambton, there are now five outbreaks, including one at Fairwinds Lodge where 13 residents are ill. There are also staff members ill there however Lambton Public Health does not report the number of cases unless it reaches more than five.

Both Vision Nursing Home and Trillium Villa are also in outbreak. Trillium’s outbreak has nine residents and seven staff members who are COVID-19 positive.

There is also an outbreak at Ryan’s House, a residential withdrawal management centre in Sarnia. Huron House Boys Home is also has a COVID-19 outbreak.