The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, after four members of the staff there tested positive for the novel coronavirus; no inmates have tested positive at this time. The Health Unit was notified of an initial case among EMDC staff on January 14th; the three additional cases were reported on January 16th. The declaration of the outbreak is an acknowledgement that virus transmission has occurred at the facility, and that there will be increased adherence to public health measures and a thorough cleaning of the facility. It is important to note that there has been no risk of exposure for visitors to EMDC.

Health Unit Case Investigators continue to follow up with EMDC administration and staff at the Centre and to provide advice and support to those who have tested positive. The Health Unit also advises those who work at EMDC to monitor themselves for the development of COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing should any develop.

“The declaration of an outbreak is an indication that we have found evidence which suggests that transmission has occurred within a given setting, rather than through close contact with family members, friends or others,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “When we declare outbreaks, it allows us to put additional resources to supporting the staff who are working within the facility, provide guidance on enhanced infection prevention and control measures and advice on environmental cleaning and disinfection.”

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 all enclosed places, and also in outdoor situations 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, telephones and surfaces, 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