Western University. (BlackburnNews.com file photo)Western University. (BlackburnNews.com file photo)
London

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Western residence

The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting a coronavirus outbreak at Western University's Essex Hall residence.

Public health officials notified the university on Tuesday that seven students living on two floors of the on-campus residence have tested positive for COVID-19 since Saturday. They added there is no evidence that the affected students had attended any social gatherings.

With the support of the university's administration, the individuals are currently self-isolating at a location outside of the residence. Students living on the two floors where positive cases were identified have also been asked to isolate and are being provided with on-site testing.

The health unit said it is working with Western to identify any additional students who may need to seek testing as a result of the positive cases.

Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the MLHU says despite the region's recent shift to the orange-restrict level, that it's not the time to let down your guard.

"We know COVID-19 is still circulating and that we expect to see more of the variants of concern which can spread much more easily as we move closer to an expected third wave of the pandemic."

Last month, students were permitted to return to residences on a staggered schedule following the end of the region's stay-at-home order.

 

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