The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) was notified late yesterday of six additional COVID-19 cases at London schools where previous cases had been reported. Sir Arthur Currie Public School and Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School each had an additional member of their community test positive; while two additional members of the Westminster Secondary School and the Ashley Oaks Public School community tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Unit has concluded that the additional cases are likely linked to previous COVID-19 cases reported at each of the schools, and is declaring the four outbreaks in order to help limit any additional spread of the virus within these school communities.

The declaration of outbreaks at Sir Arthur Currie, Ashley Oaks, Mother Teresa and Westminster Secondary does not mean the schools are closing; each school will remain open. 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 these facilities 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 schools.

“Although there is some evidence that transmission occurred outside of school in at least one of these cases, outbreaks are being declared at all four schools out of an abundance of caution. Declaring an outbreak and excluding the affected classrooms is an important step in limiting further spread of the virus,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It is important that affected families monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. We’re advising that anyone in the household who develops symptoms needs to seek testing right away, and that everyone else in the household has to quarantine. That means staying home from work, school or childcare until test results are received for the symptomatic family member.”

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, 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 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. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit