The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Clara Brenton Public School in London. As part of its investigation of cases identified at the school, the Health Unit has concluded that the virus may have spread between close contacts at the school who have tested positive. The outbreak is the first to be reported since students returned to in-class learning earlier this month.

The announcement of the outbreak at Clara Brenton Public School does not mean the school is closing. Only those staff and students in classrooms identified as having had close contact with the cases will be excluded from attending school. The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak at the school is also an indication that Health Unit case investigators have observed a higher rate of infection than would otherwise be expected in that setting, combined with evidence that transmission may have occurred within the facility.

The Health Unit recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections:

• Limit interactions to only those who are part of your household.
• Avoid all non-essential travel.
• Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household.
• Wear a mask in enclosed places, and also outdoors, where physical distancing cannot be maintained
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 15-20 seconds or use a waterless hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content.
• Cover coughs and/or sneezes with your sleeve or cough into your elbow.
• Clean high-touch areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently.
• Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus.
• Visit https://covidtestinglm.ca for how to get tested at a London Assessment Centre.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.

Please note: This release is being issued because this is the first school-based outbreak since students in London and Middlesex County returned to in-person learning. As indicated in a previous communication from the MLHU, media releases will no longer be issued to provide notification of school-based outbreaks. These outbreaks will continue to be included on MLHU’s daily online dashboard updates available at: www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317, extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit