Manager, Court Operations, County of Middlesex Court House, 80 Dundas Street
MEMORANDUM TO: All Courthouse Staff and Stakeholders
FROM: Court – Based Emergency Management Team
DATE: [Thursday] March 26, 2020
SUBJECT: London Courthouse Update

I am writing to provide an update regarding the current status of the London Courthouse.

The courthouse was closed on March 17, 2020 following confirmation by Public Health of two positive cases of COVID-19. At this time, the courthouse remains closed.

As a precaution the courthouse has undergone enhanced cleaning to help reduce potential risk of exposure to COVID-19.

In addition to the two positive cases, two unconfirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with London courthouse have recently been identified. These two individuals are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and on the advice of public health authorities, both persons are at home in self-isolation.

Between March 10 and March 16, 2020, the first employee was present on the ground floor civil area, Court Services Division. Between the same time period, the second employee attended the secretarial area on the 12th floor, Family Law Information Centre, Justice Rady and Justice Grace’s chambers, and possibly courtroom 11 and Justice Henderson’s chambers.

Both employees have not returned to the building since March 16, 2020.

While the courthouse remains closed, please continue to remain in contact your manager. They will keep you informed. The Ministry Staff Emergency Information Line (1-866-831-3185) will be updated as more information becomes available.

I understand that this situation may cause you concern. Please be assured that your health and safety are of the highest priority for the ministry.
Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. These include:  washing your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer  sneezing and coughing into your sleeve  avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth  avoiding contact with people who are sick  staying home if you are sick  keeping at least 2 metres from others

The Ontario Ministry of Health website provides important information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself. Furthermore, if you or anyone you know has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 they should be encouraged to use the new online self-assessment tool, contact their primary care provider, the London public health unit or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
You can learn more at https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Related matters from Bench/Bar Conference

• Business is not and will not be normal for a while.
• No one should assume that the pre-pandemic level of service will be maintained or restored anytime soon.
• There will be a very large backlog when court re-opens.
• There will probably be changes to filing procedures in light of social distancing requirements when filing offices re-open, but what they are to be is currently unknown.