Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 13th at 5:30 PM are as follows:
- State of Michigan: 25,635 confirmed cases; 1,602 deaths
- St. Clair County: 219 confirmed cases; 6 deaths
- Ontario: 7,470 confirmed cases; 291 deaths
- Sarnia-Lambton: 118 confirmed cases; 10 deaths
Governor Whitmer’s press conference today began with a focus on data about the curve of infection. While she said the curve looks like it is beginning to flatten, she also affirmed the need to continue social distancing measures to keep it headed in that direction. Whitmer acknowledged that many people are becoming restless with her executive orders for many reasons. She spent some time expressing concern regarding those frustrations, addressing false information circulating, and even accepting her role as a target for frustration. Acknowledging a planned protest of her orders, she encouraged protestors to exercise their free speech and asked that they protest in a safe manner that won’t put first responders at risk.
Several things have been put in place to increase healthcare options, access to testing, and PPE. On the issue of restarting the economy and opening things back up, four primary factors are being considered:
- Sustained reduction in case counts
- Enhanced ability to test and trace
- Sufficient health care capacity
- Best practices for the workplace
The City of Sarnia has received around 400 complaints of people not following social distancing directives. While they appreciate the tips due to the importance of the directives, they would like to remind residents that The Provincial Orders on social distancing do not include restrictions on walking through or using portions of park and recreational areas that are not otherwise closed and that do not contain outdoor recreational amenities including; sports fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and community gardens.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
