Niagara Region Public Health has identified a COVID-19 outbreak in a Brock University Nursing program after a second positive case was confirmed over the weekend.
An outbreak is defined by two cases or more that have an epidemiological link. Due to the dates of exposure, public health has advised that the outbreak could be deemed to have been resolved later this week.
When the first individual tested positive on Friday, Sept. 17, everyone in the class who may have been exposed received notification and was asked to monitor for symptoms and to self-isolate if they were not fully vaccinated. On Sunday, Sept. 26, the University learned that a second individual connected to that class had tested positive. This person was last on campus on Wednesday, Sept. 15 and has been in self-isolation since that time.
Anyone in NUSC 1P10, NUSC 1P12 or NUSC 3P0H is reminded to continue to monitor for any symptoms. Those not fully vaccinated will continue to participate in Brock’s Rapid Antigen Screening program and will remain in self-isolation until ten days elapse from the time of last exposure. All Brock classes will continue as scheduled and planned.
Of the more than 15,000 students on Brock’s campus this Fall, more than 90 per cent are fully vaccinated. Only seven per cent are partially vaccinated. This number will decline as these students complete their second dose. Approximately 54 students have approved exemptions. Mandatory regular antigen screening is required for those not fully vaccinated and those with approved exemptions.
Public Health guidelines permit fully vaccinated individuals without symptoms to continue daily activities following exposure to a positive case. Regardless of vaccination status, anyone who develops COVID-19-like symptoms should self-isolate, seek further medical support as necessary and schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test at an assessment centre.
To learn more about Brock’s COVID-19 response, visit brocku.ca/coronavirus
Brock shares a daily update of positive cases reported in the past 14 days. It can be accessed at brocku.ca/coronavirus/cases
