News Archive
SubscribeHealth Unit Receives Notification of Middlesex-London Region’s First Fatality
The Middlesex-London Health Unit was notified this morning of a death related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Health Unit learned that a man in his 70s who had returned from a trip to Portugal earlier this month passed away last night. The Health Unit had been following up with this individual since shortly after he was admitted to care at London Health Sciences Centre and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19th.
Health Unit Reminds March Break Travellers to Self-Isolate
With the end of March Break, many local families may be returning home after vacationing abroad. Given the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in London and Middlesex County, as well as around the world, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is urging ALL travellers returning to Canada to self-isolate for 14 days. Physical distancing measures, including self-isolation are critical to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Health Unit Calls on Residents to Create Physical Distance While Maintaining Social Connection
London, ON – The Ontario Public Health Laboratory has notified the Middlesex-London Health Unit of six new cases of COVID-19 in the region, bringing the total number of local cases to 11. Health Unit staff have followed up with those who have tested positive for the illness; all of them are currently self-isolating. Staff will also be following up with each individual’s close contacts, all of whom will be advised to remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days. The investigations so far indicate that not all cases are directly associated with recent travel to an area affected by COVID-19.
Fifth Case of COVID-19 Reported in the Middlesex-London Region
The fifth local case of COVID-19 has been reported to the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU). The Ontario Public Health Laboratory advised Health Unit staff that a woman in her 60s had tested positive for the illness. While this individual has not travelled recently to an area affected by COVID-19, nor does she have any contact with another confirmed or probable case, public health staff continue to investigate for a possible source. The individual is currently self-isolating. MLHU staff members have also communicated with the woman’s close contacts, who have also been advised to remain in self-isolation at home for the next 14 days.
Second COVID-19 Assessment Centre to Open at Carling Heights Community Centre
A second COVID-19 Assessment Centre, operated by the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), St. Joseph’s Health Care London (SJHC), the Middlesex-London Health Unit and the City of London, will open on Thursday, March 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre (CHOCC), located at 656 Elizabeth Street in London. Since Monday, the Oakridge Arena Assessment Centre has seen over 800 patients, which has helped to alleviate the number of visits to local Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centre. Opening a second COVID-19 Assessment Centre will increase access for residents of London and Middlesex County. Assessment Centres are intended to educate and provide further guidance as well as to triage individuals and determine the next steps in their care.
Health Unit Announces Two New Cases of COVID-19 in the Middlesex-London Region
The Middlesex-London Health Unit has been notified by the Ontario Public Health Laboratory of a pair of additional positive cases of COVID-19 infection in two London and Middlesex area women. The first is a woman in her 20s who had travelled recently to Las Vegas and is a healthcare worker at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC); the second is a woman in her 40s who travelled to St. Maarten. The Health Unit has been advised that the healthcare worker did work at the hospital while symptomatic. Health Unit staff members continue to investigate both cases and close contacts of both women are being notified. This includes patients and LHSC staff who were seen by the healthcare worker or had worked closely with her. Both women, and their close contacts, have been advised to self-isolate at home for the next 14 days.
Medical Officer of Health Strongly Recommends Temporary Closing of Dine-in Restaurants, Bars,…
Dr. Chris Mackie, the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health and CEO is strongly recommending that all bars, dine-in restaurants, nightclubs, and theatres close as soon as possible, and remain closed for at least the next two weeks, in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Local COVID-19 Assessment Centre to Open Monday at London’s Oakridge Arena
London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre, operated by the London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and the Middlesex-London Health Unit, will open Monday, March 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Oakridge Arena, located at 825 Valetta Street in London. Assessment Centres are out-of-hospital clinics where people can be seen by a healthcare provider for COVID-19 related concerns, rather than have them visit an Emergency Department, Urgent Care Centre or their family doctor’s office. Middlesex-London EMS, the Thames Valley Family Health Team and Middlesex Hospital Alliance were also involved in the planning process.
Health Unit Announces Second Case of COVID-19 in the Middlesex-London Region
The Middlesex-London Health Unit has been notified by the Ontario Public Health Laboratory of a positive case of COVID-19 infection in a London and Middlesex area woman in her 50s. Health Unit staff also met with the individual, who is now isolating at home, where she has mild symptoms of the virus. The woman is also a primary healthcare worker who has no history of recent travel to areas that have been significantly affected by the novel coronavirus. Health Unit staff continue to investigate to determine a source of the illness, and are following up with her close contacts, who will be advised to self-isolate at home for the next 14 days.
Coronavirus: Turning Point (Communication from Dr. Chris Mackie)
Today marks a turning point in the Coronavirus/COVID-19 response in Canada. Our public health leaders are truly adapting in a meaningful way to the World Health Organization’s announcement this week that this has become a pandemic.