Dr. Chris Mackie, the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health and CEO is strongly recommending that all bars, dine-in restaurants, nightclubs, and theatres close as soon as possible, and remain closed for at least the next two weeks, in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Businesses that provide food takeout and delivery options are encouraged to maintain those options in order to provide the public with food options, while limiting social interactions between people in London and Middlesex County.

“Our community is at a critical phase in its response to COVID-19, when any steps that reduce social contact have the potential to help stem the spread of the virus,” says Dr. Chris Mackie. “Many of these facilities and businesses are among the locations where there is the highest risk for one infected person to spread the illness to dozens, or even hundreds of others.”

Many other businesses are taking measures to reduce the risk to their staff members and customers, including many that have decided to close voluntarily.

These new recommendations also align with those made by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Eileen de Villa, and other public health leaders in Ontario.

Businesses that fail to comply with this recommendation, will be issued orders under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, as appropriate.

For more information about novel coronavirus/COVID-19, visit the Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com/news/novel-coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

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