Journal Staff
Sarnia-Lambton had no new COVID-19 cases or death to report this morning as Ontario prepared to takes its first major step in reopening the economy.
The local death toll was unchanged at 19 with 225 confirmed cases.
Outbreaks continue at three city senior homes: Vision Nursing (28 cases), Marshall Gowland Manor (1), and Residence on the St. Clair (2).
Meanwhile, retail stores with a separate street entrance and not in a shopping mall are allowed open to today, provided they ensure physical distancing and limit the number of customers.
Also allowed to start up are:
* Some health and medical services, including scheduled surgeries and in-person counselling.
* Household services such as housekeepers, cooking, cleaning and maintenance.
* Non-team sport competitions without spectators, such as tennis, track and field, and horse racing.
* Veterinarians and pet care services such as grooming and training.
* Construction projects.
Business owners with questions on how to safely reopen should consult the Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces, City Hall, says.
Those uncertain about essential business status can call the Stop the Spread hotline at 1-888-444-3659, which is available 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Businesses and citizens must continue to follow public health directives to stop the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, sanitizing surfaces, installing and using physical barriers, and using contactless payment options where possible.