One month ago, the Middlesex-London Health Unit reported just three new COVID-19 cases in the region; one week ago, that number stood at 17. Today, the Health Unit is reporting 38 COVID-19 cases, bringing the number of active cases currently in London and Middlesex County to 152. With the indicators the Health Unit reports daily on its COVID-19 dashboard showing significant increases, and the declaration of outbreaks at two downtown London bars and night clubs in the last week, the threat of the Delta variant is clear.

While the Health Unit is hosting its first Doses Till Dark pop-up vaccination clinic on Richmond Row today, the public health agency is also calling for renewed vigilance, regardless of vaccination status, particularly among those between the ages of 18 and 24. With the increasing number of cases and the circulation of the Delta variant, the importance of following the Health Unit’s recommendations is as critical as ever.

“We know that with the reopening of bars and restaurants, a lot of people want to get back to the activities that feel close to what life was like before COVID, but we can’t let our guard down. The virus continues to make a lot of people sick, and it is time to keep our distance once again,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It is still so important to follow public health guidance: avoid indoor gatherings, limit indoor contact with people who don’t live in your household, wear a mask, stay six feet from others and, of course, get vaccinated.”

While Step Three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening limits the capacity of food and drink establishments with dance facilities to the number of people who can maintain two metres’ physical distance up to 25% capacity, staying six feet from others can be challenging. It is also important to continue wearing a mask whenever gathering indoors, except for when eating or drinking.

Because the draw of reconnecting with friends and enjoying social time together is so strong, the Health Unit is launching the first of its Doses Till Dark vaccination clinics on Richmond Row today from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The clinics provide a simple and convenient way for those who have yet to be vaccinated to receive their first dose.

For a complete list of Doses Till Dark pop-up vaccination clinics, visit https://www.healthunit.com/doses-till-dark.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine.

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

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