The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Starbucks location at 1164 Highbury Avenue North in London, after three staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Unit was notified of an initial case a week ago and received reports yesterday of two additional cases amongst staff. The store has been closed since October 11th, after the first staff member tested positive. Case investigators have determined that two of the three staff members worked while they were infectious, while the store was closed while the third employee was infectious.

After investigating these new cases, the Health Unit has determined that transmission of COVID-19 has occurred at the store. Although the employees worked behind the counter and wore masks, there may have been a low-risk exposure for some customers. The Health Unit advises customers who visited this Starbucks location on October 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th to monitor themselves for the development of symptoms. The Health Unit is also asking that anyone who does not have symptoms of COVID-19 not seek testing at an Assessment Centre.

“We know many people visit Starbucks frequently and that this news may cause concern, but I want to be clear that the risk of contracting COVID-19 in a situation like this is very low. Any interactions would have been brief and there was a physical barrier that would have reduced the possibility for COVID-19 transmission,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Our priority now is to follow up with these three people directly, determine who their close contacts are and provide the support they need to help navigate this situation.”

The Health Unit recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections:

• Limit interactions to only those people who are part of your household.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other people.
• 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:
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