An outbreak has been declared at a northeast London apartment complex after nearly 50 people tested positive for COVID-19 over a three week period.
The Middlesex London Health Unit said Tuesday 46 people, including three staff members, have contracted the virus at Maple Ridge on the Parc. The first case at the two buildings located at 112 and 114 Arbor Glen Crescent was identified on December 11.
Another 19 positive cases were confirmed within the last week, prompting the health unit to declare the outbreak.
Public health investigators are visiting the buildings to try to identify any practices, events or environmental factors that could have allowed the virus to spread.
"The declaration of a COVID-19 outbreak is concerning, especially when it is related to someone’s home. Our team is working closely with building management to determine transmission sources and reduce the potential for any further spread,” said Dr. Alex Summers, associate medical officer of health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
Everyone who lives or works in the building are being advised to monitor themselves for the development of COVID-19 symptoms and to get tested should they develop.
“Whether you live in an apartment building or a single-family home our advice is the same: limit interactions to only those who are part of your household, maintain two metres physical distance from others, and wear a mask in all enclosed spaces, including elevators, laundry rooms and common areas,” added Summers.
The apartment complex outbreak was declared on the same day the region reported its highest single-day COVID-19 case jump to-date. Middlesex-London logged 100 new infections Tuesday with one additional death.
