The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) received a report late yesterday that an employee of the Real Canadian Superstore, located at 825 Oxford Street East in London, has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is a food handler in the store’s bakery who worked between Wednesday, May 20th and Saturday, May 23rd. Store management has advised that thorough cleaning and sanitization have taken place. Another staff member at the store tested positive for the novel coronavirus on April 29th.

MLHU staff have spoken with the employee and have identified close contacts. Additionally, the Health Unit is recommending that all store staff be tested for COVID-19. Customers who purchased store-prepared or store-packaged bakery products between Wednesday, May 20th and Saturday, May 23rd are being asked to take the online COVID-19 Self-Assessment, monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and dispose of the products they bought.

“While the risk of contracting COVID-19 from bread, buns and other products is low, it is important for customers to watch for the development of signs and symptoms consistent with the novel coronavirus. Anyone who develops symptoms should be tested as soon as they can,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We know that this virus is still in our community and the only way we’re going to get ahead of it is if everyone does their part.”

The Health Unit is notified whenever an individual in London or Middlesex County tests positive for COVID-19. MLHU staff then contact the individual and retrace their activities in the days leading up to their symptoms and diagnosis in order to identify any close contacts who may require further follow up and guidance.

In addition to physical distancing, the following steps can prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid all non-essential gatherings of any size.
• Stay home from work and other activities if you are sick.
• 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 surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops and light switches, frequently.
• Wear a mask or non-medical face covering where physical distancing isn’t possible.

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