The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting today that 46 people have tested positive for COVID-19, eclipsing the previous mark of 38 cases, set yesterday, for the most cases reported in a single day. The Health Unit was also notified of four deaths yesterday, three of which are linked to the outbreak at University Hospital.
While the overall COVID-19 case numbers in the community are increasing, a significant proportion of these new cases is associated with the outbreak at University Hospital. A total of 97 cases (47 among staff and 50 among patients) and nine deaths have been linked directly to this outbreak, with a number of additional related cases in the community. The Health Unit has worked closely with staff and administration at LHSC to put outbreak control measures in place and will continue to monitor progress.
With the Holiday season fast approaching, the Health Unit is strongly advising that any and all gatherings and festivities be conducted in a virtual way. The Health Unit is also advising that any indoor gatherings with people from multiple families will provide the virus with opportunities to spread.
“The last thing we need now are super-spreader events dressed as Holiday traditions,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “If you are a leader in this community, we are asking that you ensure that your leadership points in the direction of safety. Employers in particular need to create online events to mark the Holidays for their staff members if they don’t want their workplaces to turn into outbreak zones.”
The Health Unit is also calling on post-secondary students in the region to start preparing now if they are planning to return to their family homes for the Holiday break. The Health Unit is recommending that any student planning to travel to or from the region go into voluntary self-isolation 14 days prior to their departure to limit the potential of becoming ill before they travel. In addition, the MLHU recommends that students also limit their contacts for 14 days upon their return, especially if they have visited an area where there is significant COVID-19 activity.
Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms is asked to visit www.covidtestinglm.ca for information about how to get tested at a London Assessment Centre.
For more information, as well as helpful tips and guidance about how you can celebrate the Holidays safely during the pandemic, please visit www.healthunit.com/news/celebrate-the-holidays-safely.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokespeople:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health Middlesex-London Health Unit