News Archive
SubscribeDon't Quit Quitting: Encouraging Quit Attempts During National Non-Smoking Week
During National Non-Smoking Week, from January 21st to January 27th, the Middlesex-London Health Unit, in partnership with the Southwest Tobacco Control Area Network (SWTCAN), is encouraging tobacco users to persevere in their attempts to quit. The Don’t Quit Quitting campaign emphasizes the importance of not giving up, even if past efforts to quit have been challenging or unsuccessful.
Bitter Windchill Values Prompt First Cold Weather Alert of 2024 in the Middlesex-London Region
After a mild start to winter, bitter windchill values have returned to London and Middlesex County, prompting the Health Unit to issue the first Cold Weather Alert for 2024. In Strathroy and Western Middlesex County, windchill values have plunged to –22, and in these areas the Alert is in effect all day, overnight, and into tomorrow. The Alert will come into effect in London and Eastern Middlesex County around 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon when windchill values are forecast to reach –22 and keep dropping overnight. The Alert will remain in place until windchill values climb above the Health Unit threshold of –20.
Health Unit Issues Warning About Measles Exposure On Flight Into Pearson Airport
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is warning travellers that they may have been exposed to measles on a flight into Toronto’s Pearson International Airport last Friday. People arriving on Pakistan International Airlines Flight 781 from Isalamabad, Pakistan to Toronto, landing at approximately 7:00 p.m. on December 22, 2023, may have been exposed.
Middlesex-London Health Unit Announces New Structure to Address Budget Challenges
Despite increased funding from the province and municipalities (1% and 3% respectively), the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is facing a significant budget shortfall of 2.6 to 2.8 million dollars in 2024. To balance the budget, the MLHU conducted a strategic review and prioritization of public health programs and services, which has resulted in organizational restructuring, reductions in programs and services, and layoffs of both staff and management positions.
Notice: COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Will Be Closed Friday; Health Unit Clinic and Office Will Close…
The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Western Fair District will be closed on Friday, December 1st, while the agency’s office at Citi Plaza will close at 12:00 noon for an all-staff event. The clinic in Strathroy will remain closed on Friday as per usual schedule. Urgent public health response will still be available, should the need arise.
MLHU Set to Close Western Fair District COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic on December 16, 2023
After three years of operation at the Western Fair District, the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s (MLHU) mass vaccination clinic will be permanently closing on December 16, 2023. The clinic first opened in partnership with London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) at the Western Fair District Agriplex in December 2020 and relocated to the Western Fair District’s main building in October 2022, operating for a total of 518 clinic days between the two locations, and provided 235,407 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
XBB COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Available To The General Population Starting Monday, October 30
Following the Ontario Ministry of Health’s guidance, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) will begin offering the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant COVID-19 vaccine to individuals six months of age and older starting Monday, October 30th. The influenza vaccine will also be available to the general population starting Monday.
Local COVID-19 and Influenza Activity Signals Start of Respiratory Season and Vaccination in…
The Middlesex-London Health Unit has been closely monitoring key indicators that confirm the beginning of respiratory season in the Middlesex-London region. On October 2nd, the Health Unit received confirmation of the community’s first locally acquired case of influenza A. COVID-19 indicators have also seen sustained increases over the last few weeks, such as an increase in test positivity, wastewater surveillance, number of outbreaks, and hospitalization.
Heat Warning Extended and Now Including London and All of Middlesex County
London, ON – The Heat Warning for parts of the Middlesex and London region, specifically Strathroy, Komoka and western Middlesex County, has been extended and updated to now include London and all of Middlesex County. Hot and humid conditions are expected through Wednesday, with maximum temperatures of 29 to 34º Celsius and humidex values nearing 40. Based on the current forecast, this Heat Warning will remain in effect until Thursday morning, when the daytime high is expected to reach 23º Celsius.
Heat Warning Issued Until Wednesday
Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning for parts of the Middlesex and London region, specifically Strathroy, Komoka and western Middlesex County. The warning begins today and will likely be in place until Wednesday, September 6. It is anticipated that as the week progresses, daytime highs will be between 31 to 35 degrees Celsius, with the hottest days expected to be on Tuesday and Wednesday.