The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 in a residence at Western University. At this time, four individuals from the same residence have tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals have been contacted by the Health Unit and are currently being advised to self-isolate. As part of its on-going investigation, the Health Unit is also following up with close contacts of the cases to ensure that they are tested and quarantined.

“Declaring an outbreak is an important step in addressing any further spread of COVID-19 within the Western student community,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “This outbreak highlights the need to limit close contact to only those within your dorm room, maintain two metres physical distance, wear a mask and stay home or in your suite if you feel unwell.”

The Health Unit is working with Western’s administration to support these individuals as well as any other students who may need to seek testing or quarantine as a result of contact with these cases. In addition to getting tested at one of London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres, Western University also has a testing centre available on campus at the Western Student Recreation Centre for students, faculty and staff. For current hours and additional information, visit Western COVID-19 Testing Centre.

Public Health officials further advise the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections:

• Limit close contact to only those in your household, room or suite. If you live alone, consider having close contact with only one other household.
• Avoid non-essential travel to Toronto (including the GTA and Peel region), Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.
• Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household, room or suite.
• Wear a mask whenever outside of the home or your room; including visits to the store and interactions with colleagues at work, or in breakrooms.
• Visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, if you have been contacted by the Middlesex-London Health Unit or have been notified through the COVID Alert notification app of close contact with a confirmed case.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 15-20 seconds or use a waterless hand sanitizer that contains at least 70 percent alcohol.
• Cover coughs and/or sneezes with your sleeve or cough into your elbow.
• Clean high-touch areas, including doorknobs, handrails and other surfaces, 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.

For more information visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website at: www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Milne, Communications Supervisor, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-617-0564 (cell)

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