The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Maple Ridge on the Parc, an apartment complex located at 112 and 114 Arbor Glen Crescent in London. The Health Unit has so far received reports of 46 people, including three staff members, testing positive for the novel coronavirus. The Health Unit was notified of an initial case who lives in one of the buildings on December 11th and made the decision to declare an outbreak after being notified of 19 cases linked to Maple Ridge on the Parc within the last week.

Health Unit Case Investigators continue to follow up with staff and residents who have tested positive to provide advice and support in navigating the situation. Public Health Inspectors will also visit the apartment complex today to identify and better understand any practices, events or environmental factors that could have allowed the virus to spread. In the meantime, the Health Unit advises those who work and live in the buildings to monitor themselves for the development of COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing should any develop.

“The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak is concerning, especially when it is related to someone’s home. Our team is working closely with building management to determine transmission sources and reduce the potential for any further spread,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Whether you live in an apartment building or a single-family home our advice is the same: limit interactions to only those who are part of your household, maintain two metres physical distance from others, and wear a mask in all enclosed spaces, including elevators, laundry rooms and common areas.”

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. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit