The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) was notified yesterday that an individual who attended the Black Lives Matter rally at Victoria Park on Saturday, June 6th has tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Unit has been in contact with the individual and confirms that they were wearing a mask while at the demonstration and that they have not shown any symptoms since, nor were they symptomatic when they attended the protest more than a week ago.
As MLHU staff continue to investigate and conduct follow-up with the individual’s close contacts, there is no indication the person was exposed to the virus at the protest, nor that they were infectious at the time they were at Victoria Park. While there is no increased need for anyone who attended the event to seek testing for COVID-19, the Health Unit continues to recommend that those who were in attendance monitor themselves for symptoms until Saturday, June 20th.
“We know that the coronavirus is still present in our community that’s why we continue to emphasize the need for people to take the necessary precautions to prevent it from spreading,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “With our region moving to Stage 2, there’s still the need to stay six feet away from others, wash hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your sleeve and increasingly, use a face covering when you go out into the community.”
With the news that organizers are planning another Black Lives Matter demonstration in Victoria Park this coming Saturday, June 20th, the Health Unit is reminding those who make the decision to attend to do all they can to reduce the risk of transmission. This includes maintaining physical distancing as much as possible, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, wearing a face covering and keeping it on for the duration of the event.
For more information about COVID-19 and the latest guidance related to the move Stage 2 in London and Middlesex County, visit: www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit