London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit announced three new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the local number of those infected to 625. Among the new cases reported today are two people associated with attending gatherings of more than 10 people. The initial case was reported on June 24, 2020. Since June 24, a total of eight cases have been associated with these gatherings, two of which were reported in today’s case count. The cases associated with this outbreak include six females and two males, all in their 20s.
In addition to violating the gathering limit of 10, some of the individuals associated with this outbreak also attended other social gatherings outside the Middlesex-London region, with different groups of people, outside their social circle. Health Unit staff have been communicating with all eight individuals and are following up with their close contacts as part of the on-going case investigations.The Health Unit continues to highlight that physical distancing, wearing a mask and limiting gatherings to 10 people, are critical strategies in addressing the spread of the virus.
“While we enter new reopening phases, and start to see restrictions lift, it is important to remember that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is still present in our community,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “This outbreak highlights the need for ongoing caution during the reopening phases this summer. Limit gatherings to no more than 10 people, wash hands often, keep two metres apart, and wear a mask in indoor public spaces.”
The Health Unit strongly recommends the use of non-medical masks in all public spaces, including retail, food and commercial environments, and when physical distancing is not possible or difficult to maintain.
The Health Unit also recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections:
• Avoid gatherings of greater than 10 people.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from people outside your immediate household when in public.
• Stay home from work and other activities if you are sick.
• 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.
• Visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you are concerned you have COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
For more information about COVID-19 and the latest guidance related to Stage 2 please visit: www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus or https://www.ontario.ca/page/framework-reopening-our-province-stage-2
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Milne, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit