Peterborough Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on Saturday (February 27) at Severn Court Student Residence in Peterborough.
Six cases have been confirmed so far at the 555 Wilfred Drive complex, which provides off-campus student housing primarily to Fleming College students, as well as students of Seneca College Aviation and Trent University. Approximately 200 students live in six separate buildings at the housing complex.
The index case has screened positive for a variant of concern, the health unit reports. Based on initial investigations, several of the exposures occurred during a private gathering that took place on Saturday, February 20th.
Medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra has issued a Section 22 Order closing the housing complex to visitors and requiring all residents to self-isolate.
“This outbreak is very concerning not only because it involves a variant of concern and could lead to many more cases and high-risk contacts, but because it was also completely preventable,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “In spite of this difficult situation, Severn Court Management Company has been incredibly responsive and are working very hard to help us contain the spread of the virus.”
The health unit is asking anyone who visited Severn Court between Saturday, February 20th and Saturday, February 27th to self-isolate and get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms, and is asking everyone is asked to stay away from the housing complex until further notice.
Peterborough Public Health is also working closely with Trent University and Fleming College.
The health unit says the specific variant of concern is not yet known while the sample undergoes further testing to identify its genomic sequence.
Contract tracing continues and further updates will be issued as more details become available.
