Protester at anti-racism rally tests positive for COVID-19

LONDON, ONT. London-area public health officials are asking people who attended a Black Lives Matter rally in the city a week ago to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 after a participant tested positive for the virus.

The Middlesex-london Health Unit was notified Sunday a person who attended the 10,000-strong rally and march at Victoria Park on June 6 tested positive for the pandemic virus.

“This is a very low-risk situation for a number of reasons,” medical officer of health Chris Mackie said. “This is an individual who was wearing a mask at the protest and was keeping a safe distance ... This is one case among 10,000 people.”

The unidentified woman, under 50 years old, never had symptoms, Mackie said, but went for testing three days after the rally as a precaution.

The health unit says it is not necessary for attendees to get tested but is continuing to recommend people monitor themselves for symptoms until June 20, two weeks after the protest.

“We believe that the risk for those who attended Black Lives Matter has not changed because of this case,” Mackie said. “I wouldn’t say this results in any additional concerns.”

The news of the case among the June 6 protest attendees comes as Black Lives Matter London gears up for a second rally this Saturday.

“Our recommendation remains to avoid large gatherings. I understand why people want to attend this protest,” Mackie said. “Please do wear masks and keep a distance as much as possible.”

Mackie also recommends people who attend Saturday’s rally use hand sanitizer, wash their hands frequently and monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days after the gathering.

London-area public health officials will be monitoring cases closely as the economy reopens in much of Southwestern Ontario, but Mackie doesn’t expect to see a surge of cases linked to the first protest.

“I think we would have started to see those by now,” he said.

The health unit reported six new COVID -19 cases Monday, bringing the total in London and Middlesex County to 585. Of those 452 have recovered. The London area has had 57 coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began.