The Middlesex-London Health Unit has declared a COVID-19 outbreak after six people who attended indoor gatherings have tested positive for the virus. Health Unit investigators have been able to associate these cases to a series of indoor gatherings held between June 20th and June 30th, where no masks were worn and physical distancing was not maintained. Investigators are continuing the work of determining the number of close contacts associated with those who have tested positive. Anyone who attended an indoor gathering of any kind, including church services or other gatherings, at Christ Embassy Church, located at 1472 Dundas Street in London, between June 20th and June 30th is being asked to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if symptoms develop.

“This outbreak shows how easily COVID-19 will spread if we let our guard down,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Factors contributing to this outbreak included a lack of masking, inconsistent physical distancing, attending public events while symptomatic, unnecessary indoor gathering outside of religious ceremonies, and indoor gatherings that had more than the limit of five people in attendance.”

With the declaration of this outbreak, the Health Unit is strongly recommending that you:
• Get vaccinated, whether you have yet to receive your first dose or need to complete your second.
• Gather outdoors as much as possible; only gather indoors if absolutely necessary.
    o If indoors, adhere to gathering limits and ensure everyone indoors is fully vaccinated.
• Wear a mask, especially indoors, where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Work from home if possible, and allow your employees to work from home if they can.
• For families with children under 12 years of age who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated:
    o Limit close indoor contacts to your household (stay two metres away from       anyone who isn’t part of your household).
    o Gather outdoors as much as possible.
    o Wear a mask if you absolutely must be indoors with anyone who isn't part of  your household.

The Health Unit also recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 15-20 seconds or use a waterless hand sanitizer with at least 60 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.

For more information about COVID-19 and setting-specific requirements under Step 2 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, please visit the Health Unit’s website at https://www.healthunit.com/covid-19-response-framework

Media Contact:
Beth Milne, Communications Supervisor, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0564

Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit