The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Real Canadian Superstore located at 1205 Oxford Street West in London. The Health Unit has been advised of 10 recent positive COVID-19 test results for employees at the store; the first on December 28, 2020, with four additional cases linked to the store on January 15. Store management has advised that thorough cleaning and sanitization have taken place.

MLHU staff members have contacted the employees and have identified their close contacts. Additionally, the Health Unit is recommending that all store employees be tested for COVID-19. Customers who shopped at the store are being asked to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19.

“While the risk is low that you could contract COVID-19 from products bought at the store, or contact with employees, it is important for customers to watch for the development of symptoms and to get tested if they arise,” says Dr. Alexander Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Declaring an outbreak is an important step in limiting further transmission to other employees or customers.”

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

• Limit interactions to only those people who are part of your household.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other people.
• 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 70 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 http://www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Egelton, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit
226-559-7157 (cell)

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