The Middlesex-London Health Unit announced six new cases of the novel coronavirus today, bringing the local number of those infected to 31. Among the new cases are four people who have travelled recently, a close contact of another case and an individual who lives in a long-term care home. Health Unit staff have been communicating with all six individuals and are following up with their close contacts as part of the on-going case investigations.

The Health Unit continues to highlight physical distancing as a critical strategy in addressing the spread of the virus all in the effort to “plank the curve”, essentially slowing the infection rate to prevent the local healthcare system from being overwhelmed with cases.

“You hold the lives of your fellow citizens in your hands. This is our last chance to really get this right. Please stay home for the next week, with as few exceptions as you can,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

Maintaining that physical space is important, but we absolutely have to continue being socially connected to each other. Use the technology you have available to reach out to family and friends, whether it’s by phone, social media, Skype, or Zoom. It is a challenging time, but we are all in this together.

In addition to physical distancing, the Health Unit also recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus/COVID-19 infections:

• Avoid all non-essential gatherings of any size
• Work from home if you can and stay home from other activities, whether you have symptoms or not
• Self-isolate at home for 14 days if you have travelled outside of Canada recently (this is now mandatory)
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 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 frequently.

The Health Unit continues to monitor this developing situation actively, in collaboration with national and provincial health agencies, as well as local stakeholders, including hospitals and community partners.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus.

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

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