The Middlesex-London Health Unit has updated the requirements of the Section 22 Class Order for personal care service establishments in London and Middlesex County. The updated Order, issued under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, will come into effect Thursday, October 29th, at 12:01 a.m., to allow operators to prepare and obtain the necessary equipment required under the Order.

The updated Order requires that staff members of personal care service establishments wear a medical grade procedural mask, such as a surgical mask, and a face shield when performing a service that requires the client to remove their own mask. It is important to note that the use of an N95 respirator for these procedures is not a requirement under the updated Order.

“We continue to work with local operators in our efforts to limit further potential spread of COVID-19 while being mindful of the impact on their businesses,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “As we learn more about the novel coronavirus, how it spreads and how it behaves, we are putting measures in place to protect the community and prevent the kind of outbreaks that have been seen in other parts of the province.”

Under the Order, employees or service providers who cannot wear a mask or face covering are not permitted to have direct contact with clients.

The revised Order also clarifies that multi-participant steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools or bathhouse must be closed; facilities that use isolation float or salt pools intended for one person may continue to operate.

Failure to comply with these Orders can result in fines of up to $5,000.00 for each day the offence occurs or continues. Businesses that fail to comply can be fined up to $25,000 for each day on which the offence occurs.

For more information about the updated Section 22 Orders for personal care service establishments, please visit https://www.healthunit.com/section-22-orders-and-instructions. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.

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

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