Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020

On behalf of all London residents, I want to extend my heartfelt and sincerest sympathies to family and friends of the nine individuals whose deaths are linked to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak at University Hospital. We honour the lives of your loved ones, and we pray that their memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength during this time of great sorrow.

Since the outbreak at UH was declared, there have been a total of 47 staff and 50 patients infected with the virus. Like many Londoners, I am incredibly saddened, and frustrated by what has transpired. The source of this outbreak remains under investigation by the London Health Sciences Centre, and I trust that investigation will be thorough.

In the meantime, it’s important to remember that London’s healthcare sector is comprised of thousands of women and men. Since the onset of this pandemic, they have been on the frontlines every day, working extremely long hours, missing family members, and making significant sacrifices, all in an effort to save lives and bring comfort to those who are ill. Thousands of our frontline heroes continue to do so on a daily basis, while taking all appropriate precautions in their personal and professional lives, and those individuals deserve our deepest thanks and admiration.

I also have the utmost confidence in - and respect for - LHSC President and CEO, Dr. Paul Woods, as well as our local Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Chris Mackie, both of whom are working tirelessly, along with their respective leadership teams, to bring this situation under control. Ultimately, however, all Londoners have a role to play in our community’s efforts against COVID-19.

The outbreak at University Hospital serves as a jarring reminder of the potential for tragic outcomes if public health guidelines are not followed. That means physical distancing, avoiding holiday house gatherings, wearing masks, and adhering to proper hygiene protocols. Doing these things is the best way we can honour the memory of those who have died, and it's also the best way we can ensure the safety of other Londoners in the weeks, and months ahead.