First Confirmed COVID-19 Case at a School in London

Monday, 21 September 2020 16:16

The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at a school in the Thames Valley District School Board at the H.B Beal Secondary in London.

LONDON - The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at a school in the Thames Valley District School Board.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit was notified this afternoon that a member of the school community at H.B. Beal Secondary School in London has tested positive for the virus. Health Unit investigators are working directly with the case to determine their close contacts both inside and outside of the school. The Health Unit has also notified the school board as well as members of the school community about the situation and will be providing instructions and advice about possible next steps.

Members of the H.B. Beal Secondary School community who are identified as close contacts will be notified directly by Health Unit investigators and will be directed to seek testing. Neither students or staff members who are not identified as close contacts, nor the family members of close contacts, need to go for testing unless they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Medical Officer of Health for London Middlesex, Dr. Chris Mackie says they are working closely with the Thames Valley District School Board and the staff at Beal Secondary School to ensure everyone has the information they need to address concerns while also reducing the risk the virus could spread further.

“In the meantime, we are asking parents of students, and staff members, to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and to seek testing at an Assessment Centre should any develop.”

Due to privacy considerations, the Health Unit will not be disclosing any details about the case, including whether they are a student or a member of the school’s staff.

The Health Unit recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections:

- Ensure your social circle includes a maximum of 10 people and don’t interact directly with those outside your social circle.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from other people.
- Wear a mask while in enclosed public places, or where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Visit an Assessment Centre if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- 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.