Durham College (DC) has the first case of COVID-19 on its Oshawa campus.
An employee who works at Campus Corners – located at the corner of Simcoe Street and Conlin Road – has tested positive for the virus after travelling, the school announced in a news release.
DC president Don Lovisa says everyone who was in contact with the individual has been notified.
“It was a small number, and the Ontario health authorities have those names. They’ve been in contact with those people, and those people are self-isolating for the next 14 days. If they show any symptoms at all, of course, they’re encouraged to get tests as well,” he says.
According to a DC news release: “Late yesterday, DC was advised the employee had tested positive for travel-related COVID-19. After returning to work on March 16 the employee began to feel ill and went home in the afternoon. Since that time, they have not returned to campus and have been in self-isolation.”
The campus is still at low risk for the virus, but the college has been closed to keep that risk low, Lovisa says.
“We’re hoping people stay home. Our employees are at home working and students are studying online for the most part. That should help reduce any risk of further cases,” Lovisa adds.
During this time, Lovisa is encouraging students to reach out by phone if they need help.
“We do have a number of phone numbers people can call, or our health centre is available as is our mental health supports by telephone. We continue to encourage people to reach out to us, and to talk to each other,” he says.
