Sixth confirmed COVID-19 case confirmed at Niagara College
Post-secondary institutions in Niagara have had six cases of COVID-19 each. The most recent case was confirmed over the weekend by Niagara Region Public Health and Niagara College.
The individual is currently in self-isolation and last attended the Welland campus on Oct. 24. The college informed the public on Nov. 1 on social media.
The college is in the process of assisting Niagara Region Public Health in its contact tracing for this case, and anyone at risk would have been contacted directly by public health.
“At this point there are six cases that we have been able to confirm, or have been advised of by Niagara Region Public Health, where a person who has tested positive has been on campus,” said Michael Wales, manager for corporate communications at Niagara College. “Niagara Region Public Health does not necessarily advise us of all cases or confirm self-reported cases — only where there is risk, or if they need assistance in contact tracing,” Wales added. “Niagara Region Public Health does not currently believe that transmission has occurred in any Niagara College facilities.”
For students who have tested positive and want to return to the classroom, Wales said it’s up to Niagara public health. “Niagara Region Public Health determines the isolation period for a person who has tested positive, including when they can return to work or school,” said Wales.
Brock University’s last confirmed case came on Oct. 5.
Brock’s manager of Communications and Media Relations, Dan Dakin, confirmed that Brock University has been notified of six positive cases of COVID-19.
The institution’s primary method of teaching has been virtual. In September, Brock announced that it will continue with primarily online classes for the full academic year. A limited number of courses for which no online alternative exists will be offered on campus. Sean Vanderklis is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Niagara Falls Review, covering education issues across Niagara. His reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.