News Archive
SubscribeCelebrate the Holiday Season Safely
Please limit your contacts as much as possible. We are at a critical time. COVID-19 cases are rising across Ontario and the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly and widely in our community. The holidays are a time when gatherings and celebrations bring people together indoors and this could potentially increase the spread of COVID-19 even further. To control COVID-19 cases and the impact on our health care system, we need to increase vaccination rates and limit our indoor gatherings.
Health Unit Announces 90% of Local Residents Aged 12 and Up Have Received the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) announced today that 90 percent of the region’s population born in 2009 or earlier has now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In just under one year, a total of 809,166 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in London and Middlesex County; as of the end of Saturday, November 20th, 87.2 percent of the population had received two doses of the vaccine. The 90% achievement is included in the vaccination coverage update that is part of today’s COVID-19 dashboard on the MLHU website.
Vaccination Appointment Bookings to Open Tuesday Morning for Kids Born Between 2010 and 2016
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is encouraging parents and guardians of children who are five or who will be turning five before the end of the year, up to the age of 11, to have their kids roll up their sleeves. Starting Tuesday, November 23rd at 8:00 a.m., the Health Unit’s vaccination appointment booking system, at www.covidvaccinelm.ca, will begin offering dates and times when children will be able to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The decision comes after the announcement last Friday of Health Canada’s approval of the Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine for children and the Provincial Government’s announcement today that its online portal would begin taking appointment bookings tomorrow.
Health Unit Advises of Appointment of Acting Medical Officer of Health
The Middlesex-London Board of Health has appointed Dr. Alex Summers as Acting Medical Officer of Health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit while Dr. Chris Mackie is taking a leave of absence from his duties as Medical Officer of Health.
Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine to Be Available to Eligible High-Risk Middlesex-London Residents
Following the Ontario Government’s announcement today about expanded eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, additional groups in London and Middlesex County can now book their third dose vaccination appointments.
Health Unit Lifts Section 22 Order for Organized Public Events And Social Gatherings
In order to align with updated capacity limit requirements outlined under the Reopening Ontario Act, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is lifting its Section 22 Order for organized public events and social gatherings. This Order had been issued in September to re-iterate the gathering limits on social events and parties and is no longer required given the changes to provincial regulations.
Celebrate Halloween Safely
Celebrating Halloween? Stay safe and have a spooktacular time! Please continue to follow public health guidance to keep your family, friends and loved ones safe.
Health Unit Amends Section 22 Class Order for Food and Drink Establishments
In order to align with the Provincial government’s lifting of capacity limits in settings where proof of vaccination is required, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has amended the Section 22 Class Order pertaining to food and drink establishments. Effective immediately, the amended Order removes the physical distancing requirements of at least two metres or by impermeable barrier such as plexiglass for eating and drinking at designated tables. Requirements remaining in effect under the amended Order are that food and drink are only to be consumed in designated areas and any patron who attends such an establishment must wear a mask or face covering at all times, except when they are consuming food or beverages while in a designated, stationary area.
Proof of Vaccination to Soon Be Required for All Those Over the Age of 12 to Enter Sport and…
Huron Perth Public Health, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health announced additional proof of vaccination requirements today for recreational facilities used for organized sports. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will now be required for anyone over the age of 12 who enters an indoor area of a sports or recreational fitness facility to participate in, coach, officiate, or watch organized sport. The requirement will come into effect on October 31st.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely
To protect your loved ones, keep gatherings small this year and make sure everyone is vaccinated. The Delta variant is still circualting; bringing extended family members together around the dinner table indoors carries a higher risk.