The Middlesex-London Health Unit was notified late last night that a member of the school community at École élémentaire La Pommeraie had tested positive for COVID-19. Notification was sent to parents, guardians and staff of the school community shortly thereafter. Initial close contacts were notified of the situation by letter and will receive further follow-up by phone from MLHU case investigators today. These close contacts have also been advised to stay home from school and to quarantine.

MLHU investigators have determined that the case was at the school during the time they were infectious. The Health Unit is also working with the Conseil Scolaire Viamonde, school administration and members of the school community to determine next steps and provide additional support.

“We continue to work with the school board and administration at La Pommeraie. We have not determined if there is a link to the previous case reported at the school earlier this week,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Given that it has been almost two weeks since this new case would have been infectious, it is encouraging that we have not had more reports of symptoms in members of the school community. We will be able to make a more complete determination as the investigation develops.”

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 having close contact with one other household.
• Maintain 2 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, extension 2469 of 519-617-0570 (cell)

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