London, ON – With the start of Passover and the Easter weekend upon us, many people across the region may be planning to celebrate these holidays with their families and friends. However, given the increased number of local COVID-19 cases, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding all residents to maintain physical distancing measures over the coming days to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“There is substantial COVID-19 activity in the community right now, so we need to find creative ways to connect with one another at a distance during Passover and the Easter weekend,” says Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Plan to celebrate and share meals only with those who are already close household contacts, while using technology to stay connected to family and friends.”

Among the Health Unit’s suggestions for maintaining social connection while being physically distant are: setting up video calls to participate in Easter egg hunts and other activities or inviting family members and grandparents for a virtual Seder or Easter dinner.

The Health Unit also recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus/COVID-19 infections:

• Ensure you are practicing physical distancing if you go for a walk (at least one hockey stick’s length away from other people) and avoid touching anything, even pets.
• Limit trips to the store, and only go out for essential items, such as groceries or prescriptions.
• Work from home if you can and stay home from other activities, whether you have symptoms or not.
• Self-isolate at home for 14 days if you have travelled outside of Canada recently (this is now mandatory).
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds or use a waterless hand sanitizer that contains at least 70 percent alcohol.
• Cover coughs and/or sneezes with your sleeve or cough into your elbow.
• Clean high-touch areas frequently.

The Health Unit continues to monitor this developing situation actively, in collaboration with national and provincial health agencies, as well as local stakeholders, including hospitals and community partners.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokespeople:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit