The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a Western University student residence, the second outbreak to be declared on campus this week. The Health Unit received a report earlier today of a third positive COVID-19 test for a person at this residence. The three individuals have been contacted by the Health Unit and are currently self-isolating with the support of Western’s administration. The Health Unit is also following up with all close contacts of the cases to ensure they get tested and are quarantining.

“We continue to work with Western’s administration closely to provide guidance and support in order to limit further spread of the virus on campus. We are asking those who live in residence to limit their contacts as much as possible,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “In addition to the declaration of today’s outbreak, our case management team is continuing to investigate the outbreak declared earlier this week at another student residence.”

The Health Unit also recommends that students wear a mask when they are in any indoor public space and seek testing for COVID-19 if they begin to feel unwell or develop symptoms. Testing is available for students, faculty and staff at London’s two COVID-19 Assessment Centres and on-campus at the Western Student Recreation Centre. For current hours and additional information, visit the Western COVID-19 Testing Centre.

The Health Unit recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Limit interactions to only those who are part of your household, room or suite. If you live alone, consider having close contact with only one other household.
• Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hot spots.
• Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household, room or suite.
• Wear a mask whenever outside of the home or your room; including visits to the store and interactions with colleagues at work or in breakrooms.
• 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 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

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