WHO declares COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what that means for London

As the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic Wednesday, a spokesperson for the local health unit says the risk of the spread of the virus in London remains low.  

On Wednesday, Ontario confirmed four new cases of COVID-19 — bringing the total number to 41 confirmed cases in the province — including the first case in Hamilton and Ottawa. 

The number of people infected worldwide has reached more than 118,000 in 114 countries, with 4,291 deaths.

A spokesperson for the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) said that while public health officials were unavailable to comment, the situation remains the same as last week: The risk remains very low in London and surrounding areas, with no new cases of the virus to report.

The MLHU has been conducting meetings with community leaders, including first responders and school representatives, to share information and discuss preparations regarding the virus. 

Western issues statement

In a statement, Western University's president Alan Shepard said that while the risk remains low, they are taking precautions to ensure the safety of students and faculty, including the suspension of university-sanctioned international travelling for all students until June 1, 2020. 

Shepard also said that while there has been no indication from the health unit to cancel classes, there is planning underway in case the university needs to move to online-only learning. 

As for large events, including convocation ceremonies and congresses, the university says it's too early to make decisions on the fate of these events which are still months away.  

Western University and Fanshawe College say they are working closely with the MLHU for preparedness.  

Are city services working regularly?

It's business as usual at City Hall and city-owned facilities for now, however, city officials said that in the case of an outbreak in London, they are prepared to respond accordingly. 

Dave O'Brien, the city manager of corporate security and emergency management, said that the city has a pandemic plan in place for internal services, which was developed after the SARS outbreak. 

"In any emergency situation we could not be able to offer services depending on staff resources and other impacts from the situation," he said. 

"Those plans guides us in terms of what our priority services are and what services may not be able to continue based on the nature or circumstances that we're facing," he added. 

What about big events? 

Budweiser Gardens said that for the time being, all scheduled events will go on as planned. 

"We consider the health and wellbeing of our guests and staff a top priority. In the meantime, we recommend that all guests visiting Budweiser Gardens practice good health hygiene," a spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.  

In the latest update from the MLHU last week, public health officials said that while social distancing can be a useful tool to prevent the spread of the virus, it is not needed for now in the city. 

How do I prevent the spread of the virus? 

Health officials say the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to stay at home when you're sick, wash your hands with soap and warm water often for about 20 seconds — approximately the same time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.

They also say it's important to clean and disinfect high-touch objects frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and make sure you cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

Travellers who have been to Iran or Hubei province in China in the past 14 days are being asked to contact the public health unit within 24 hours of their return to Canada for monitoring, self-isolate for 14 days and self-monitor for fever, cough or difficulty breathing. 

The health unit is also asking travellers coming from any other country to self-monitor for fever, cough or difficulty breathing for 14 days and avoid crowded places. If they develop any symptoms, they are asked to contact the health unit immediately at 519-663-5317 and ask to speak to the infectious disease control team.