The Middlesex-London Health Unit has been notified that a member of the Northdale Central Public School community has tested positive for COVID-19. Health Unit investigators have determined that the case was at the school during the time they were infectious. Notification has been sent to parents, guardians and staff who are part of the school community.

Investigators are in the process of identifying and following up with the case’s close contacts directly by phone and will provide specific testing advice when they are able to reach them. Close contacts are also being advised to stay home from school and quarantine. The Health Unit continues to work with the Thames Valley District School Board, school administration and members of the school community to determine next steps and provide additional support.

“While we are seeing more cases associated with schools, we have also seen a marked increase in the overall number of cases being diagnosed in London and Middlesex County. We know the second wave of the pandemic is here and that we all have to do our part to limit the further spread of the virus,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We need to continue following the public health guidelines that have been in place, even if we’re tired of hearing them. This includes wearing a mask, staying home from work or school if you are ill and limiting close contact to only those in your household.”

Due to privacy considerations, the MLHU will not be disclosing publicly any further details about the case, or the number of close contacts at the school.

The MLHU recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection:

• Ensure close contact is limited to those in your household. If you live alone, consider only having close contact with one other household.
• Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not in your household.
• Wear a mask no matter where you are, or what you are doing (leaving the house, going to the store, interacting with colleagues at work or in the breakroom).
• Avoid non-essential travel to the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal.
• Only visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been contacted by the Health Unit or received notification through the COVID Alert 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 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.

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

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

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