Article content

Public health officials have recorded six new confirmed coronavirus cases in London and Middlesex County in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases across Southwestern Ontario to 19.

Several of the new cases have no clear link to recent travel, raising the possibility community spread is happening here, said Chris Mackie, medical officer of health and chief executive of the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Six new coronavirus cases confirmed in London, Middlesex County as top doctor sounds alarm on 'community spread' Back to video

The new additions bring the tally of positive cases to 11 in London and Middlesex and eight elsewhere in Southwestern Ontario.

“We haven’t concluded our investigation just yet, but at this point, there’s likely community spread in London,” he said.

Mackie urged citizens to take all necessary precautions to contain the virus: “Now’s the time to take those distancing measures. Seriously, stay at home. Stay safe.”

The London-area health unit has followed up with all six individuals and their close contacts, who all are self-isolating at home for the next 14 days.