Middlesex-London Health Unit
355 Wellington Street N6A3N7 London, ON, Canada

NOTICE: Starting Friday, January 15, London’s Assessment Centres will not provide COVID-19 testing for international travel purposes. Learn more: https://bit.ly/35fctIH For more information and alternative local testing options, please visit COVID Testing in London and Middlesex: https://bit.ly/3op3k7W #LdnOnt #Middlesex

You’ve heard the word quarantine A LOT by now, and with COVID-fatigue you might be tired of hearing it. But it’s critical that you understand what it is and why it’s important. Dr. Alex Summers explains. Find out when you would need quarantine: https://bit.ly/3beHsbz #LdnOnt #Middlesex

Hey Western University and Fanshawe College students! The holidays are over, but the pandemic isn’t. COVID-19 activity in Middlesex-London is high. If you’re returning to London from winter break, please follow public health guidance. Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe. . .... When returning to London after winter break: COVID-19 activity in Middlesex-London is high. You must adhere to lockdown measures to protect yourself. Limit your contact with others for 14 days upon your return to Middlesex-London. Stay home other than to access essential services (groceries, healthcare, etc.). Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for hand hygiene for when soap and water aren’t available. Limit close contact to only those in your apartment, household, suite or dorm room. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2L8nEMn University Students' Council of Western Fanshawe Student Union #WesternU #FanshaweCollege

COVID-19 cases continue to be high. Ontario is in a provincewide shutdown and today #MLHU is reporting the highest number of cases in one day in Middlesex-London. The virus is spreading in our community. That’s why we need to stay home, except for essential reasons, and stay with our own households. #StayHomeStaySafe To view the summary of COVID-19 cases in Middlesex-London, click here: https://bit.ly/393H0tQ #LdnOnt #Middlesex

#MLHU is moving into the Red/Control level on Monday. Middlesex-London, this is our last chance to fight COVID-19 and prevent going into lockdown. In the last week, we’ve seen daily records of cases that are 2X as high as the PEAK of the 1st wave in April. We know you’re tired, but we all need to rally and do our part. We believe in you - and we believe in this community!... Stay strong and stay safe. On Monday, December 14, significant changes will be in place for gatherings, travel and various workplaces and settings. To review a summary of these changes, please visit: https://www.healthunit.com/covid-19-response-framework #LdnOnt #Middlesex

Dear friends, 2020 was quite a year. The #COVID19 pandemic has impacted everyone differently, and it’s challenged us all. 2021 brings hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s get there together and have an amazing New Year. #HappyNewYear 2021 Goals: ... Continue to follow public health guidance Spread kindness, joy and love

[Media Release] Outbreak Declared as More Than 40 Cases Reported at Apartment Complex. Read more: https://www.healthunit.com//outbreak-declared-at-apartment #LdnOnt #Middlesex #MLHU

#MLHU and Regional HIV AIDS Connection have been notified that the Government of Ontario has approved the application for a permanent Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) in London, at 446 York Street. The announcement includes funding to pay for renovations at the site and to undertake operations once the facility is ready to receive patients. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2021. Provincial approval of the proposed site, confirmation of funding and the requi...Continue reading

#MLHU is now in the protect (yellow) level of Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework. This means that there are new guidelines and measures in place for many sectors and businesses across our region. The #MLHU’s website outlines these changes and the measures already put in place by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, which remain in effect. For a summary of sector-specific measures, please visit: https://bit.ly/38NefDt #LdnOnt #Middlesex

#MLHU has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. The Health Unit has concluded that the virus had been spread between close contacts at the school who have both tested positive, after other possible sources of transmission between two individuals had been ruled out. The outbreak is the fifth to be reported at a London school this week; outbreaks were declared on Wednesday, December 9th at Sir Arthur Currie Public School, Mother Teresa Ca...tholic Secondary School, Westminster Secondary School and Ashley Oaks Public School. It’s through following up with cases that we learn more about the individuals involved and their close contacts. We start to see links emerge that help us understand how this virus is passed from person to person, says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. It’s our conclusion that COVID-19 was passed from one case to another at St. Thomas Aquinas. However, because we’ve already identified and excluded their close contacts at the school, there is no need for further action by staff or students, other than to monitor themselves for the development of symptoms. The announcement of an outbreak at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School does not mean the school is closing. Only staff and students in classrooms identified as having had close contact with the cases will be excluded from attending school. The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School is an indication that Health Unit case investigators have observed a higher rate of infection than would otherwise be expected, combined with evidence that transmission is occurring within the facility. For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus. Please note: This will be the Health Unit’s last news release about school-based COVID-19 outbreaks. These outbreaks are currently included in the #MLHU’s daily online dashboard updates here: https://bit.ly/3meEhCp #LdnOnt #Middlesex

Hey parents/caregivers! Has your child failed the daily #COVID19 student screening? Are they showing symptoms of COVID-19? Please follow the guidance and requirements outlined in the COVID-19 Decision Tool for Parents and Caregivers (UPDATED December 2020). COVID-19 Decision Tool for Parents and Caregivers: https://www.healthunit.com/covid-19-schools... Daily Student Screening Tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening .... #LdnOnt #Middlesex Thames Valley District School Board London District Catholic School Board CS Viamonde Conseil scolaire catholique Providence

#MLHU has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at a Western University student residence, the second outbreak to be declared on campus this week. The Health Unit received a report earlier today of a third positive COVID-19 test for a person at this residence. The three individuals have been contacted by the Health Unit and are currently self-isolating with the support of Western’s administration. The Health Unit is also following up with all close contacts of the cases to ensure they... get tested and are quarantining. We continue to work with Western’s administration closely to provide guidance and support in order to limit further spread of the virus on campus. We are asking those who live in residence to limit their contacts as much as possible, says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. In addition to the declaration of today’s outbreak, our case management team is continuing to investigate of the outbreak declared earlier this week at another student residence. The Health Unit also recommends that students wear a mask when they are in any indoor public space and seek testing for COVID-19 if they begin to feel unwell or develop symptoms. Testing is available for students, faculty and staff at London’s two COVID-19 Assessment Centres and on-campus at the Western Student Recreation Centre. For current hours and additional information, visit the Western COVID-19 Testing Centre (https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/testing.html). . . How to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: Limit interactions to only those who are part of your household, room or suite. If you live alone, consider having close contact with only one other household. Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hot spots. Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household, room or suite. Wear a mask whenever outside of the home or your room; including visits to the store and interactions with colleagues at work or in breakrooms. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. Visit https://covidtestinglm.ca for how to get tested at a London Assessment Centre. #WesternU #TakeCareWesternU #LdnOnt University Students' Council of Western

#COVID19 is no TREAT, so we need to celebrate #Halloween2020 carefully. This year, the safest way to celebrate is at home with your household or virtually with others. If you’re going to participate in trick-or-treating, learn how to reduce your risk. How are you staying safe this Halloween? Find tips, tricks, and suggestions: ... https://bit.ly/34iXKfB #LdnOnt #Middlesex See more

#MLHU was notified late yesterday of six additional COVID-19 cases at London schools where previous cases had been reported. Sir Arthur Currie Public School and Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School each had an additional member of their community test positive; while two additional members of the Westminster Secondary School and the Ashley Oaks Public School community tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Unit has concluded that the additional cases are likely linked to...Continue reading

New measures aimed at reducing the potential spread of COVID-19 in restaurant and banquet halls, personal care service establishments, and indoor fitness facilities in London and Middlesex County, will come into effect this Saturday at 12:01 a.m. Middlesex-London’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Chris Mackie, announced that the three Section 22 Class Orders issued under the Health Protection and Promotion Act will require additional public health measures to be taken at these... businesses and facilities to fight the pandemic. Local businesses have done a tremendous job of operating safely under difficult circumstances, says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. We are learning more about higher risk situations, and this limited set of orders is being put in place to target specific circumstances where superspreading events can generate COVID-19 outbreaks, such as those seen recently in other communities. The first Order applies to restaurants and banquet halls and will limit the number of people who can sit at a table, whether indoors or outdoors, to six people. Additional requirements include collecting the contact information of all patrons at each table and that patrons remain seated at tables, spaced two metres apart, at all times except when entering, exiting, paying, picking up an order or using the washroom. The second order prohibits any personal care service that requires the client to remove their mask or face covering and that anyone providing this type of service be required to wear a mask or face covering. Employees or service providers who cannot wear a mask will not be permitted to have direct contact with clients. The third order requires fitness facilities to limit classes to only 10 participants, including staff. It also requires participants in a fitness class to maintain three metres of physical distance between one another. The Orders apply to all food and drink facility operators (including bars, restaurants and banquet halls), all operators of indoor fitness facilities and all persons who provide personal care services related to the hair or body. 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 these Orders, please visit https://www.healthunit.com/section-22-class-order. #LdnOnt #Middlesex

Today #MLHU is happy to report 0 #COVID19 outbreaks in Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes in London and Middlesex County. That’s good news! Let’s keep fighting this virus to protect our community, especially our most vulnerable. #LdnOnt #Middlesex

COVID-19 Update: With eight confirmed positive cases in Saugeen-Maitland Hall residence, Western is working closely with Middlesex-London Health Unit to notify and support students, including contact tracing and all necessary testing and quarantine arrangements.

Today, the Ontario Government announced the Middlesex-London region will be moving into the protect (yellow) level of the COVID-19 Response Framework on Monday, November 16 (more details to come over the weekend). #LdnOnt #Middlesex Learn more: https://bit.ly/3noaFna Read the framework: https://bit.ly/3eZCgZ1

Starting today, appointments at the Oakridge Arena Assessment Centre can now be booked online through the London COVID-19 Assessment Centres' new website - www.covidtestinglm.ca. Thames Valley Family Health Team #LdnOnt #Middlesex

#MLHU is now in the Orange/Restrict level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework. In order to keep our kids in school, keep our workplaces open, and most importantly keep our loved ones safe, we need to work together to #StopTheSpread. Please follow the Health Unit's UPDATED public health guidance here: https://bit.ly/3qFedEi #LdnOnt #Middlesex *NEW Quarantine Guidance for Households:... If someone in your home has #COVID19 symptoms, ALL household members must quarantine (i.e. not attend work, school, child care, etc.). While awaiting test results Or for 14 days if the individual isn’t tested

#MLHU has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in a residence Western University. At this time, eight individuals within the same residence have tested positive for the virus. These individuals have been contacted by the Health Unit and are currently self-isolating with the support of Western’s administration. The Health Unit is also following up with all close contacts of the cases to ensure that they are tested and quarantined. Declaring an outbreak is an important step in order t...o limit further spread of the virus within the student community, says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. This outbreak highlights the need to limit close contact to only those within your dorm room, maintain two metres physical distance from all others, wear a mask in all indoor public spaces and stay in your room or suite if you feel unwell. The Health Unit is working with Western University to support these individuals as well as any other students who may need to seek testing or quarantine as a result of contact with these cases. In addition to getting tested at one of London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres, Western University also offers testing on campus at the Western Student Recreation Centre for students, faculty and staff. For current hours and additional information, visit the Western COVID-19 Testing Centre: https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/testing.html. . . How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections: Limit interactions to only those who are part of your household, room or suite. If you live alone, consider having close contact with only one other household. Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hot spots. Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household, room or suite. Wear a mask whenever outside of the home or your room; including visits to the store and interactions with colleagues at work or in breakrooms. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. Visit https://covidtestinglm.ca for how to get tested at a London Assessment Centre. For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus. #WesternU #TakeCareWesternU #LdnOnt

#MLHU has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at the Starbucks location at 1164 Highbury Avenue North in London, after three staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Unit was notified of an initial case a week ago and received reports yesterday of two additional cases amongst staff. The store has been closed since October 11th, after the first staff member tested positive. Case investigators have determined that two of the three staff members worked while they were inf...ectious, while the store was closed while the third employee was infectious. After investigating these new cases, the Health Unit has determined that transmission of COVID-19 has occurred at the store. Although the employees worked behind the counter and wore masks, there may have been a low-risk exposure for some customers. The Health Unit advises customers who visited this Starbucks location on October 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th to monitor themselves for the development of symptoms. The Health Unit is also asking that anyone who does not have symptoms of COVID-19 not seek testing at an Assessment Centre. We know many people visit Starbucks frequently and that this news may cause concern, but I want to be clear that the risk of contracting COVID-19 in a situation like this is very low. Any interactions would have been brief and there was a physical barrier that would have reduced the possibility for COVID-19 transmission, says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. Our priority now is to follow up with these three people directly, determine who their close contacts are and provide the support they need to help navigate this situation. Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections: Limit interactions to only those people who are part of your household. Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other people. Wear a mask in enclosed places, or where physical distancing cannot be maintained. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. Visit https://covidtestinglm.ca/ for how to get tested at a London Assessment Centre. ... For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2T13vIj #LdnOnt #Middlesex

#MLHU has been notified that a member of the Northdale Central Public School community has tested positive for COVID-19. Health Unit investigators have determined that the case was at the school during the time they were infectious. Notification has been sent to parents, guardians and staff who are part of the school community. Investigators are in the process of identifying and following up with the case’s close contacts directly by phone and will provide specific testing a...dvice when they are able to reach them. Close contacts are also being advised to stay home from school and quarantine. The Health Unit continues to work with the Thames Valley District School Board, school administration and members of the school community to determine next steps and provide additional support. While we are seeing more cases associated with schools, we have also seen a marked increase in the overall number of cases being diagnosed in London and Middlesex County. We know the second wave of the pandemic is here and that we all have to do our part to limit the further spread of the virus, says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. We need to continue following the public health guidelines that have been in place, even if we’re tired of hearing them. This includes wearing a mask, staying home from work or school if you are ill and limiting close contact to only those in your household. Due to privacy considerations, the MLHU will not be disclosing publicly any further details about the case, or the number of close contacts at the school. Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection: Ensure close contact is limited to those in your household. If you live alone, consider only having close contact with one other household. Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not in your household. Wear a mask no matter where you are, or what you are doing (leaving the house, going to the store, interacting with colleagues at work or in the breakroom). Avoid non-essential travel to the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Only visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been contacted by the Health Unit or received notification through the COVID Alert app of close contact with a confirmed case. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. ... For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/33V3dcp #Dorchester #Middlesex /1

P.S. Here’s what a Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) team call looks like on Wear Purple Day. Love this! #ShineTheLight #EndVAW London Abused Women's Centre

#MLHU staff wearing purple to #ShineTheLight on woman abuse. Today and every day we stand in solidarity with women impacted by abuse. We need to step up and help women live free from violence. If you believe a woman or girl is unsafe speak to her directly. Call 9-1-1 if you hear or see anything that leads you to believe women and girls are unsafe.... #EndVAW #LdnOnt #middlesex London Abused Women's Centre

#MLHU has reviewed existing local orders and other guidance in the context of the Government of Ontario’s new COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. With the area served by the MLHU now at the Yellow/Protect level of the new Framework, the guidance from four Section 22 Class Orders and one Instruction are adequately addressed, and are no longer necessary. The Health Unit is maintaining the Section 22 Class Order issued by the Medical Officer of Health un...der the Health Protection and Promotion Act for the sport, recreation and fitness sector for a further four-week period, at which point this Order will be reviewed. The new provincial framework addresses many of our local challenges, says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. The restrictions we are keeping in place are highly aligned with the provincial framework. The provincial requirements for a region at the Yellow/Protect level provide substantial safety measures in many sectors, including restaurants and food premises, and personal care service establishments. Given these strengthened measures, the Health Unit is rescinding other Section 22 Orders and the Instruction issued on July 18th under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which related to the use of masks or face coverings in enclosed public spaces. The decision to rescind the Section 22 Orders will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, November 21st, lifting the following: The Section 22 Order for transit and hired vehicles, issued July 20th The Section 22 Order for personal care service establishments, issued July 20th The Section 22 Order for the food and drink sector issued on October 24th The Section 22 Order for personal care service establishments, issued October 29th The Instruction related to masking in all enclosed public spaces (mask/face covering requirements are still in place through province-wide regulation and local by-laws) It is important to note that while the Section 22 Orders are being rescinded, operators of local businesses will still have to comply with the guidelines and restrictions outlined in Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework. For more information, please visit: www.healthunit.com/covid-19-response-framework. #LdnOnt #Middlesex

#MLHU has been notified that a member of the school community at Mary Wright Public School has tested positive for COVID-19. Health Unit case investigators have determined that the case was at the school during the time they were infectious. Notification has been sent to parents, guardians and staff of the school community. Health Unit case investigators are in the process of following up with all initial close contacts directly by phone and will provide specific testing adv...ice at this time. Close contacts are being advised to stay home from school and quarantine. The Health Unit is also working with the Thames Valley District School Board, school administration and members of the school community to determine next steps and provide additional support. There have been additional reports of COVID-19 positive cases linked to schools this weekend, says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. These cases underscore the importance of following the public health guidelines that we have been recommending. Wear a mask, limit close contact with anyone outside of the school community to those in your household only, wash your hands and please, stay home when you develop symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19. Due to privacy considerations, the MLHU will not be disclosing publicly any further details about the case, or the number of close contacts at the school. Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection: Ensure close contact is limited to those in your household. If you live alone, consider only having close contact with one other household. Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not in your household. Wear a mask no matter where you are, or what you are doing (leaving the house, going to the store, interacting with colleagues at work or in the breakroom). Avoid non-essential travel to the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Only visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been contacted by the Health Unit or received notification through the COVID Alert app of close contact with a confirmed case. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. ... For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3jVRTCy #Strathroy #Middlesex

This holiday season, it's more important than ever to stay connected - to our families, friends and communities. Simple acts of kindness make a big difference. Reach out to someone feeling down. Support a cause you care about. Help a neighbour. Whatever you do, do it safely - let’s #BeCOVIDKind!

#MLHU was notified late yesterday that an additional member of the Sir Arthur Currie Public School community has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases associated with the school to two; these cases appear to be associated with one another. Since there is evidence of transmission between these cases, the Health Unit is declaring an outbreak to help raise further awareness and to limit any further spread of the virus within this school community. The ...declaration of an outbreak at Sir Arthur Currie does not mean the school is closing; the school will remain open. Only those staff and students in classrooms identified as having close contact with the cases will be excluded from attending school. The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak at the school is an indication that Health Unit investigators have observed a higher rate of infection than would be expected, combined with evidence that transmission is occurring. The declaration of an outbreak in this situation was a critical step in taking the necessary steps to address the spread of coronavirus within this school community, says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. This is not an indication of widespread illness at the school. All contacts of the cases have been notified directly. The Health Unit continues to work with Thames Valley District School Board administration and members of the school community to provide additional support to affected families, students and staff who have been excluded from school as part of the outbreak management. The MLHU recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection: Stay home from work or school if you become ill. Ensure close contact is limited to those in your household. If you live alone, consider having close contact with one other household. Maintain 2 metres physical distance from anyone who is not in your household. Wear a mask no matter where you are, or what you are doing (leaving the house, going to the store, interacting with colleagues at work or in the breakroom). Avoid non-essential travel to the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Only visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been contacted by the Health Unit or received notification through the COVID Alert app of close contact with a confirmed case. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. ... For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/36ZBhpQ #LdnOnt #Middlesex

So you’ve just been tested for #COVID19. While you wait for your test results (which can be scary!), continue to do your part to #StopTheSpread. Here are a few things to think about. ... While you wait for your test results (typically 24-48 hours): ... Self-isolate until you receive your test result; this means staying at home, away from other members of your household. Write down all the places that you have been in the last 14 days, and the names of everyone you have been in close contact with starting 48 hours before your symptoms began. Tell your contacts that you’ve gone for a COVID-19 test and suggest they monitor themselves for symptoms. If your test is negative stay isolated until your symptoms have improved for 24 hours. ... If your test comes back positive: You’ll be called by the #MLHU and we’ll help you continue to self-isolate, answer questions you may have and begin the process of identifying your close contacts. Provide #MLHU with the list of all your close contacts. If you use the COVID-Alert app, update your status to indicate that you have tested positive. Tell your close contacts that you have tested positive and that they will soon be contacted by the #MLHU and required to self-isolate. ... #LdnOnt #Middlesex COVID Testing in London and Middlesex Thames Valley Family Health Team London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Middlesex-London Paramedic Service

#MLHU has been notified that a member of the school community at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School has tested positive for COVID-19. Health Unit investigators are working with the individual directly to identify and follow up with their close contacts. The Health Unit has also notified the Thames Valley District School Board and members of the Banting community and has provided instructions and advice about next steps. We are in the process of working with this individ...ual to determine who their close contacts are. We’ve also been in contact with the School Board and are working with administration to make sure everyone has the information they need, says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. Although the level of risk outside the group of close contacts is low, we are still asking members of the Banting community to monitor themselves for any symptoms of COVID-19 and seek testing should they develop. Due to privacy considerations, the Health Unit will not be disclosing any details about the case, including whether they are a student or member of the school’s staff. Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections: Ensure you only have close contact with those in your household. If you live alone, consider having close contact with one other household. Maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from anyone who is not in your household. Wear a mask no matter where you are, or what you are doing (leaving the house, going to the store, interacting with colleagues at work or in the breakroom). Avoid non-essential travel to Toronto (including the GTA, York and Peel Regions), Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Visit https://covidtestinglm.ca for information about London’s Assessment Centres. Seek testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms, have been contacted by public health or have been notified through the COVID-Alert app of close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 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, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. Please note: The Health Unit will be limiting news releases to only communicate school-based outbreaks and not individual cases. Individual cases associated with schools will be added to the MLHU’s daily update under the School Settings tab here: https://bit.ly/3nSoBH8 ... For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/356w115 #LdnOnt #TVDSB

Join our team! #MLHU has an exciting opportunity for a temporary full-time Public Health Inspector to work on the Infectious Diseases Control team in the Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases division. Apply by November 24: https://bit.ly/38K05Tk #LdnOnt #Middlesex

#MLHU has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 in a residence at Western University. At this time, four individuals from the same residence have tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals have been contacted by the Health Unit and are currently being advised to self-isolate. As part of its on-going investigation, the Health Unit is also following up with close contacts of the cases to ensure that they are tested and quarantined. Declaring an outbreak is an important step in... addressing any further spread of COVID-19 within the Western student community, says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. This outbreak highlights the need to limit close contact to only those within your dorm room, maintain two metres physical distance, wear a mask and stay home or in your suite if you feel unwell. The Health Unit is working with Western’s administration to support these individuals as well as any other students who may need to seek testing or quarantine as a result of contact with these cases. In addition to getting tested at one of London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres, Western University also has a testing centre available on campus at the Western Student Recreation Centre for students, faculty and staff. For current hours and additional information, visit Western COVID-19 Testing Centre (https://bit.ly/3diP7o9). Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections: Limit close contact to only those in your household, room or suite. If you live alone, consider having close contact with only one other household. Avoid non-essential travel to Toronto (including the GTA and Peel region), Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not part of your household, room or suite. Wear a mask whenever outside of the home or your room; including visits to the store and interactions with colleagues at work, or in breakrooms. Visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, if you have been contacted by the Middlesex-London Health Unit or have been notified through the COVID Alert notification app of close contact with a confirmed case. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 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, including doorknobs, handrails and other surfaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. ... For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/33PwYLN #WesternU #LdnOnt

This year has been more challenging than most (big understatement here!), but it has also made us focus on what matters most family and friends. No matter what happens, the most important thing we have is our love for each other. Today, we are #Thankful for the endless space our families and friends fill in our hearts. #HappyThanksgiving... #TogetherApart See more

Trying to avoid annoying family members at #Thanksgiving?! You have the perfect excuse - #COVID19! Here are some of #MLHU’s top benefits of skipping #Thanksgiving2020 with your family. Let’s #StopTheSpread and avoid close contact with anyone who doesn’t live in your household. P.S. We know this whole I don’t get to see my family this weekend situation really sucks. We’re just trying to have a bit of fun during these hard times. Feel free to share why you’re skipping Thanksgiving with your family in the comments.

The Ontario Government has announced modified Stage 2 restrictions in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region (https://bit.ly/3ntF2JX). If London and Middlesex continue to see COVID-19 cases rise, we could have similar restrictions applied here. That’s not where we want to go. Let’s step up and #StopTheSpread right now. Limit close contacts to those in your household only ... Wear a mask when out Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hot spots Learn more: https://bit.ly/3lxRciS #LdnOnt #Middlesex

ICYMI: #COVID19 cases are on the rise - the second wave is here. To fight it, #MLHU has released new guidance vital to #StopTheSpread. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ls71b2 Limit close contacts to those in your household only Wear a mask when out ... Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hot spots

London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres will be open on Thanksgiving Monday, October 12. Please see the Thanksgiving weekend hours below. Read more: https://bit.ly/2SCxc2k #LdnOnt #Middlesex Saturday and Sunday: Carling Heights (11AM to 7PM)... Oakridge Arena (Closed) Monday: Carling Heights (9AM to 7PM) Oakridge Arena (9AM to 5PM)

The #MLHU was notified last night that a member of the school community at Sir Arthur Currie Public School had tested positive for COVID-19. Notification was sent to parents, guardians and staff of the school community shortly thereafter. Initial close contacts were notified of the situation by letter last night and will receive additional follow-up from MLHU case investigators who will be calling them today. These close contacts have also been advised to stay home from schoo...l and to quarantine. Read the media release for more information: https://bit.ly/30QG0pX #LdnOnt #Middlesex ... MLHU investigators have determined that the case was at the school during the time they were infectious. The Health Unit is also working with the Thames Valley District School Board, school administration and members of the school community to determine next steps and provide additional support. There have been several reports of COVID-19 positive cases linked to schools this week and as we continue our investigations and identify close contacts, we expect more cases will emerge in the coming days, says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. These cases underscore the importance of following the public health guidelines that we have been recommending for months. Wear a mask, keep your physical distance, wash your hands and please, stay home when you develop symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19. Due to privacy considerations, the MLHU will not be disclosing publicly any further details about the case, or the number of close contacts at the school. The MLHU recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection: Ensure close contact is limited to those in your household. If you live alone, consider only having close contact with one other household. Maintain two metres physical distance from anyone who is not in your household. Wear a mask no matter where you are, or what you are doing (leaving the house, going to the store, interacting with colleagues at work or in the breakroom). Avoid non-essential travel to the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. Only visit an Assessment Centre to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been contacted by the Health Unit or received notification through the COVID-Alert app of close contact with a confirmed case. 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 areas, such as doorknobs in public spaces, frequently. Download the COVID Alert mobile app to be notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and to let others know if you test positive for the virus. For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s website at www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.

The #MLHU was notified late last night that a member of the school community at École élémentaire La Pommeraie had tested positive for #COVID19. For more information, read the media release: https://bit.ly/33FftO0 #LdnOnt #Middlesex

A Thanksgiving weekend message from #MLHU. Please share widely. We’re all in this together. We can get through this together - and we’re thankful to be going through this with you. #Thanksgiving2020 To fight this second wave of #COVID19, we’re asking you to avoid close contact with anyone who doesn’t live in your household and to avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hotspots (GTA, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City). ... This might seem challenging, confusing, and frustrating; and we know we’re asking a lot, but we all need to work together. We need to rise above and keep each other safe. The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing - and the second wave is here. What we do right now will change what happens in the weeks ahead. We need to do everything possible to keep our schools and businesses open and more importantly, we need to keep our loved ones, especially older family members, safe. We’ve asked you to make a lot of sacrifices over the past 6+ months. Now we’re asking you again. Please join us.

This Thanksgiving, help #StopTheSpread and protect our loved ones and communities from #COVID19. Limit Thanksgiving gatherings to those in your household only Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 hot spots - the GTA, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City... Learn more: https://bit.ly/33HagFG #LdnOnt #Middlesex