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.

“If you are returning home from anywhere outside Canada, you need to stay home for the next 14 days, whether or not you have any symptoms”, says Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Now more than ever, it is important for our community to rally together, maintaining a physical distance of at least six feet and being creative in finding opportunities to build social connection. Offering to pick up groceries for family or friends who are in self-isolation or dropping off activity books for neighbouring children can help us to feel that we are all in this together”.

If you have, or start to develop, symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, new or worsening cough, or difficulty breathing, the Health Unit recommends the use of the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment tool or calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, prior to visiting your healthcare provider or a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre.

If it is necessary to visit a healthcare provider, call ahead to let the doctor’s office know about any travel history and symptoms, so that they can prepare for the appointment.

The Health Unit recommends the following actions to not only help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus/COVID-19 infections, but also many other respiratory illnesses:

• Stay home from work and other activities if you are sick.
• Practice physical distancing by staying six feet away from others.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds or use a waterless hand sanitizer with at least 70 percent alcohol content.
• Cover coughs and/or sneezes with your sleeve or cough into your elbow.
• Clean high-touch areas, like door knobs and counter tops frequently.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Linda Stobo, Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0169 (cell)

Spokespeople:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit