The Middlesex-London Health Unit was notified late last night that a student at Saunders Secondary School had tested positive for COVID-19. Shortly after, notification was sent to parents, guardians and staff within the Saunders Secondary School community, advising them of the situation and notifying those in the same class as the case to stay home from school and quarantine.

MLHU investigators have determined that the student attended class while they were infectious and are working directly with them to identify their other close contacts. The Health Unit is also working with the Thames Valley District School Board, school administration and members of the school community to determine next steps and provide additional support.

“We’re working with the case directly and will be providing guidance to their close contacts today,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We’re seeing a very small number of cases being reported in schools and there’s been no transmission in these settings to date. That said, we and our school partners will continue to be vigilant.”

Due to privacy considerations, the MLHU will not be disclosing publicly any further details about the case, including their age, grade level or 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 Toronto (including the GTA and Peel Region), 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