Brock University is taking immediate proactive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 after a number of positive cases have been identified in student residences.

Brock reported one positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, March 24. Nine additional cases have been identified on Thursday, March 25. All cases are linked to students living in self-contained residence units.

Brock is working closely with Niagara Region Public Health and is following all recommendations to deal with the situation including contact tracing and further investigation. Specifically, Brock has moved additional residence students into self-isolation in on-campus residence units that had been set aside as part of Brock’s precautionary pandemic measures.

In addition, the University is taking immediate measures to limit the risk of further spread:

• Brock had been operating in Stage 2 (Red/Control) of its Response/Response Framework. As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, it will move back into Brock Stage 1 (Grey/Lockdown).
• The few classes that were being offered on-campus will move online or be offered in an alternative format until Monday, April 5, when a further update will be provided.
• Research that had been previously approved under Stage 2 continues under existing COVID-19 safety protocols.
• Athletic facilities in the Walker Sports Complex including the Zone Fitness Centre, Brock pool, gymnasia and Brock Sport Performance Centre are temporarily closing.
• Common areas such as the James A. Gibson Library and Computer Commons are temporarily closing.
• In any additional operational areas of campus where the risk of transmission is high, mitigation measures are being taken immediately.
• A full cleaning of the entire main Brock campus, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown and Hamilton campus takes place each day and additional efforts to disinfect high-traffic areas is taking place.

“Brock’s Emergency Management Group (EMG) has worked effectively and successfully in ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said Brock President Gervan Fearon. “EMG has determined that steps are immediately needed to address recent cases of COVID-19. I fully support their decision and ask all students, faculty and staff to respect the directions issued Thursday by EMG.”

It is important to remember that we all must take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres
• Wear face coverings in all common areas on campus and anytime physical distancing isn’t possible
• Wash and sanitize your hands frequently
• Stay home unless you must go out
• Contact public health if you’re experiencing symptoms

For more information on Brock University’s COVID-19 response, please visit brocku.ca/coronavirus