The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at École élémentaire La Pommeraie, in southwest London. The Health Unit was notified earlier today that a fourth individual who attends the school had tested positive for COVID-19. Through information gathered during the case investigation, the Health Unit has concluded that the virus had been spread between these close contacts while they were at the school. This is the first school-associated COVID-19 outbreak to be declared in London or Middlesex County this school year.

The latest individual to test positive for COVID-19 is currently in isolation at their home after they were found to be a close contact of a previous case; they did not attend the school during their period of communicability. The declaration of an outbreak at École élémentaire La Pommeraie does not mean the school will be closed. Only staff and students in classrooms identified as having had close contact with the cases will be excluded from attending the school. The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak at a school is an indication that Health Unit case investigators have observed a higher rate of infection than would otherwise be expected, combined with evidence that transmission is occurring within the facility.

“Because the close contacts of the cases who attend La Pommeraie are currently in isolation and not attending classes, there is no need for further action by staff or students, other than to monitor themselves for the development of symptoms,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Because most children who attend elementary schools are too young to be vaccinated themselves, the best thing we can do to protect them is to make sure the people they spend time with have already been vaccinated.”

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

• If you have not yet been fully vaccinated, visit a Walk-in Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic, the Caradoc Community Centre or Western Fair District Agriplex mass vaccination clinics, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit https://www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility for a full list of vaccination options.
• Limit interactions to only those who are part of your household.
• Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household.
• Wear a mask in enclosed places, or 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.
• Clean high-touch areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently.

Please note: The Health Unit will not issue future news releases about school-based outbreaks. These outbreaks will be included in the MLHU’s daily online dashboard updates which can be accessed at www.healhtunit.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. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit