The Middlesex-London Health Unit was notified late yesterday that an additional member of the St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School community has tested positive for COVID-19. This case appears to be associated with a previous one that was reported to the Health Unit on Saturday, November 28th. With this evidence of transmission between the cases, the Health Unit is declaring an outbreak to help limit any further spread of the virus within the school community.

The declaration of an outbreak at St. Marguerite d’Youville does not mean the school is closing; the school will remain open. Only staff and students in classrooms identified as having had close contact with the cases will be excluded from attending school. The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak at the school is an indication that Health Unit investigators have observed a higher rate of infection than would otherwise be expected, combined with evidence that transmission is occurring.

“The declaration of an outbreak is a critical step in limiting any further spread of the virus within this school community,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Transmission of COVID-19 within a school has been a rare occurrence in the Middlesex-London region. Health Unit staff will continue to follow up with affected families and staff members to provide support and advice on next steps.”

The Health Unit continues to work with London District Catholic School Board administration and members of the school community to provide additional support to affected families and staff who have been excluded from school as part of the outbreak response.

The Health Unit recommends these steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections:

• Limit interactions to only those 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 www.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