The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) was notified this afternoon of the whole genome sequencing (WGS) results of a sample from an individual who is part of the large cluster of COVID-19 cases announced yesterday. The sequencing was completed at the Ontario Public Health Laboratory and confirms that the newly identified Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is present in London and Middlesex County.

The MLHU continues to investigate the COVID-19 cases that have been linked to the arrival of two travellers from Nigeria, who arrived in London in late-November. There are currently 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the cluster and 171 high risk close contacts have been identified. Cases in this cluster have been associated with a number of schools, childcare centres and a church in South London. Any COVID-19 cases or high-risk close contacts associated with this cluster are considered persons under investigation (PUI) for the Omicron variant.

Health Unit staff members continue to follow up with PUIs and close contacts and are advising anyone who is contacted by MLHU case investigators to follow their direction and guidance. In addition, public health officials are reminding the community to monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and to seek testing immediately if any should develop; it is also very important to stay home and quarantine until test results are received.

For more information about COVID-19 visit: https://www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317, extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit