Following six positive COVID-19 tests in its athletic community, the local health unit has declared a community outbreak at Nipissing University.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit confirmed the positive cases on Tuesday.
The NBPSDHU says while the positive cases don’t live on campus, they have interacted at the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre gym and in other social gatherings in the community.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico says the health unit staff are working with the school to provide important public health direction.
“Our communities are experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 illness. We all must act now to slow the spread. I urge you to assume everyone outside of your home has COVID-19 and take precautions.”
Dr. Chirico points to a number of ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This includes limiting travel outside the home, not travelling outside the District, avoiding socializing, and limiting exercise and recreation to outdoor areas where you can physically distance.
Those who were in close contact with the positive cases have been asked to self-isolate and arrange to be tested.
Additionally, if you attended social gatherings with anyone who’s a part of the Nipissing University athletic community, you should self-monitor for symptoms, isolate if symptoms develop and get yourself tested.
No other buildings were impacted at the school.
The Health Unit encourages everyone to remain ‘COVID Kind and to continue following public health measures.