Outbreak declared at Champlain College
Trent is reviewing behaviour of students involved in Severn Court COVID-19 outbreak
Peterborough Public Health declared a COVID-19 outbreak Thursday at the Champlain College residence at Trent University’s Symons campus in Peterborough.
There was no immediate word on how many students have tested positive at Champlain College, but as of Friday, Trent reported having 10 active student cases in total, nine of them students living in residence and another living off campus.
But Trent had already had some cases due to the ongoing outbreak at the privately operated Severn Court student residence on Wilfred Drive in the southwest end of Peterborough following a gathering on Feb. 20. On Wednesday, Trent had reported eight active cases, seven of them students living in residence and one a student living off campus.
Those who have tested positive at Champlain College are self-isolating at the residence, according to the university. Trent students who tested positive from the Severn Court out
break are also in isolation.
On Wednesday, Trent president Leo Groarke said the university had already put in place on-campus testing for close contacts of those who had tested positive in the Severn Court outbreak.
“We have been proud of our students’ behaviour during most of the pandemic, but disappointed in the behaviour that has led to the current situation,” Groarke said Wednesday.
“Our Student Services is reviewing the behaviour of students involved in the Severn outbreak and have been in touch with all students to emphasize the need to follow proper provincial, municipal and university protocols during the pandemic.”
Anyone at Trent University who has not been contacted by the university about the Champlain College outbreak is considered to be at low risk of infection, the university advised, while urging all Trent community members to continue to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols.
“Students living in residence at Champlain College who are asymptomatic and have not been identified as a direct contact of someone with a COVID case will receive special support as they remain in residence, attend their classes remotely or online only and pick up food exclusively at the Great Hall at Champlain College,” states a press release from the university.
“Champlain students will be prohibited from using other facilities such as the Athletics Centre, the Student Centre and other spaces outside of their college.
“Champlain students will not be able to entertain guests, gather in residence or college common spaces.
“Additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been be added.
“Arrangements will be made for students living in residence from the other colleges on Symons campus to dine in alternative dining halls.
“Any students with COVID-19 currently residing on campus or identified as close contacts of someone with COVID are staying in the separate residence specially designated for isolation. All are connected with Public Health and receiving support and services from the university.
“No individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will leave isolation until advised by Public Health that it is safe to do so.”
While Trent has operated with mostly online learning with limited on-campus classes this school year, with student residences at partial capacity, it has been planning for a full return to in-person classes starting in September.
“With vaccinations close on the horizon, we believe we will overcome the challenges of COVID-19 soon,” Groarke said Wednesday.
“In the meantime, we encourage students and everyone in our university community to remain vigilant. Take care to limit your contacts, physically distance, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask.”
While Fleming College has closed the Sutherland Campus to students and staff until at least March 15 because of the Severn Court outbreak, Trent University’s Symons Campus remains open to the public. There are now three COVID-19 outbreaks in Peterborough. Besides Severn Court and Champlain College, there is also an outbreak at Empress Gardens retirement home on Charlotte Street in Peterborough.