CREDIT: MIDDLESEX-LONDON HEALTH UNIT
The "Doses Till Dark" pop-up clinics will be available in the evening hours on Richmond Row.

Earlier, this week, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) announced a COVID-19 outbreak at Lost Love Social. Five individuals tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Unit is urging everyone who was present at the downtown bar between Aug. 7-8 to monitor themselves and get tested. They are requesting this regardless of anyone’s vaccination status.

Another downtown bar, Delilah’s also issued an outbreak days before any cases were uncovered at Lost Love Social. The health unit is still undergoing investigations whether any of the outbreaks were linked. Crowds of people without masks in isolated locations is still incredibly hazardous and may be the cause of a fourth wave in Ontario, according to the health unit.

“This is the second outbreak we’ve declared in the last four days that has been tied to a downtown bar, where we know people have been gathering without masks and where it is much more difficult to follow public health guidance,” said Associate Medical Officer of Health and the MLHU, Dr. Alex Summers.


“These situations are particularly challenging as we know that the age groups attending these places have lower vaccination rates and the Delta Variant is circulating widely among this demographic. These are the situations where the fourth wave really has the potential to take hold,” he added.

Furthermore, the health unit continued to urge locals to continue to follow all COVID-19 health and safety protocols including remaining six feet apart, wearing masks, and frequently hand sanitizing and washing. They are also strongly advising the public to receive a vaccine, especially in a timely manner from dose to dose, to be fully protected. More information on vaccinations can be found on their website at www.healthunit.com/covid-19-vaccine.

Moreover, to make vaccinations less of hassle for young people out hitting the bars, the health unit is opening pop-up clinics on Richmond Row this weekend. The pop-ups, called “Doses Till Dark,” will be located in the parking lot near Jack’s bar, as well as near the Covent Garden Market, and will operate in the evening hours from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Visit the MLHU website to view where and when to find the pop-up locations.

The health unit added that restaurants, bars, food trucks, and other food establishments are still under COVID-19 restrictions and must follow public health requirements. They must follow the two-metres of minimum distancing between tables and in line-ups, no buffet-style services, face coverings when not eating or drinking, and more. Be sure to note and follow all required protocols mandated by bars and restaurants in addition to those established by the MLHU.

To monitor COVID-19 cases within Middlesex-London, Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, assessment centres, methods to prevent the spread of the virus, and more visit the Health Unit website www.healthunit.com. They are constantly guiding the public and informing locals on current issues within the city and from health professionals. There is ample information on their website for college and university students, seniors, child-care workers, health-care professionals and more. You will also find the locations for assessment centres, as well as be able to check your COVID-19 test results. The COVID-19 test will further guide you. For example, if you tested negative but were still exposed to a COVID-19 case, you are required to self-isolate for fourteen days regardless of your test result.