Two students, staff member self-isolating

Test results pending after COVID-19 fears at University of Regina, Moose Jaw school

In what the University of Regina is calling a “precautionary move,” two students are self-isolating while experiencing flu-like symptoms.

“It is important to note that these are not confirmed cases of COVID-19. Test results are pending,” the university said in a statement.

In a March 12 update to staff, the university’s director of health, safety and wellness said the move was made in consultation with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and is in accordance with plans and protocols already in place to manage the threat of COVID-19.

“It is critical that our campus community remains calm,” Darren Cherwaty said in the emailed statement.

“As we have communicated extensively, the university is following the advice of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Public Health Agency of Canada in all of our containment and contingency planning. Our focus is on the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as we work to limit exposure to, and transmission of, COVID -19.”

He encouraged students, faculty and staff to “practice good hygiene and social distancing in order to reduce the risk of infection.”

The annual pie eating contest by students in the U of R’s mathematics and statistics department to celebrate Pi Day (for the infinite number pi) was cancelled Friday.

Meanwhile, Prairie South Schools responded Thursday after a staff member in Moose Jaw was tested for COVID-19.

“After feeling ill and being away from school, the staff member contacted Healthline and went for a COVID-19 test,” director of education Tony Baldwin said in a news release issued Friday. “The staff member is doing well and is self-isolating until the results of the tests are known.”

Baldwin explained: “We have decided in consultation with Public Health that we would implement components of our pandemic preparedness plan.” Prairie South has been working with the Ministry of Education and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to develop a plan to respond to the COVID-19 virus.

“Although the test results for our staff member are unknown, on the recommendation of Public Health we are implementing elements of our response plan related to cleaning routines and self-monitoring,” said Baldwin.

Prairie South staff were in contact with parents and staff Thursday evening to provide information. “Those who are to self-monitor were communicated with individually and all other parents and staff at the affected schools were notified of our response,” said Baldwin in the release.

He thanked the individual for following proper protocols. “While the spread of the COVID-19 virus will be a challenge for schools and school divisions, it makes it much easier when people follow the correct process.”

As of Friday, Saskatchewan had two presumptive cases, both in Saskatoon, of the respiratory illness, which was declared a pandemic on Wednesday.

More information on the provincial response to COVID-19 is available from the Saskatchewan Health Authority at saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus.

Our focus is on the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as we work to limit exposure.