The Health Unit has declared a community COVID-19 outbreak after six members of the Nipissing University athletic community tested positive.
"While the individuals who tested positive do not live on Nipissing University’s campus they have had interactions at the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre gym and at social gatherings in the community," says a news release.
Other University buildings and properties are not impacted.
"Close contact tracing has been completed and those who were in close contact with folks who have tested positive for COVID-19 were asked to self-isolate and arrange to be tested. Individuals who have attended social gatherings with folks who are a part of the Nipissing University athletic community are asked to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If they develop symptoms of COVID-19 they should isolate immediately and arrange to be tested," adds the release.
The individuals who tested positive do not live on Nipissing University’s campus. None of the known positive cases have been on campus since the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre closed for a deep cleaning on November 18.
The University is implementing additional measures at the Athletics Centre which include further reducing building capacity, limiting training to individual sessions, and cancelling all group training.
“The health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and faculty remains our top priority and we continue to work with the Health Unit to ensure we are taking all of the recommended steps to prevent further spread of COVID-19,” said Cheryl Sutton, Interim President. “These are challenging times, however, it is more important than ever for all of us to do our part to keep our community safe by closely following public health protocols.”
“Our staff are working with Nipissing University to provide important public health direction,” said Dr. Jim Chirico Medical Officer of Health. “Our communities are experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 illness. We all must act now to slow the spread."
- Assume everyone outside of your home has COVID-19 and take precautions.
- Limit travel outside the home:
- To attending school or work - if unable to work from home;
- For essential trips for groceries, medication, and medical appointments.
- Do not travel out of the district.
- Avoid socializing for now.
- Limit exercise and recreation to outdoor spaces where physical distancing is possible.
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms or feel ill, isolate immediately and arrange to be tested for COVID-19.”
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance call your health care provider or the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should call 911 and mention your symptoms.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
For more information, please visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.
