04.30.2021 – Positive Case Notification

April 30, 2021

 

To the CBU Community,

I am writing today to inform you that we have recently become aware of a positive COVID-19 case connected to Cape Breton University. The student recently arrived in Cape Breton and has been self-isolating off-campus, since that time, following all mandatory public health requirements. The student continues to isolate with the proper health, mental health, and academic resources in place as an efficient support system.

Any contact tracing required is being managed by Public Health, and those considered to be close contacts have been notified. As always, we will continue to take direction and work closely with Public Health. To respect the privacy of these students, we will not be releasing any further information.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to this student, who followed all mandatory protocols in the interest of staying safe and well, and keeping others in our community safe and well. Because of the work of the Return to Campus committee, all of the proper policies and protocols are in place for the continued health, safety and well-being of those who work on campus and those who are visiting our campus, such as those being vaccinated at Nova Scotia Health’s Community Vaccination Clinic. Protecting the people of the CBU community, and beyond, is always our number one priority.

It is proven that asymptomatic testing helps identify cases before symptoms ever arise, allowing us to better protect each other, and regular testing is strongly encouraged by healthcare professionals. The decision to be tested regularly not only protects our own health but also protects the overall health of our entire community.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to use pop-up testing sites instead of booking a COVID-19 lab test over the next few days, while Province deals with a backlog of tests. The following people can and should continue to book tests:

• anyone with symptoms
• anyone who has been notified that they are a close contact of a known case
• anyone who has been at an exposure location
• anyone who has travelled outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador

Everyone else should visit a pop-up testing site, such as Centre 200, which will be operating:

• Saturday, May 1, from 10am – 4pm
• Sunday, May 2, from 12pm – 4pm

As Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Strang noted today in the Provincial briefing, we should not be afraid, but we must take this very seriously and strictly adhere to the current measures that have been put in place. If we act together now, we can get this virus under control and return to a more normal lifestyle.

As always, remember to be kind and protect each other by staying home if you are sick, wearing a mask and respecting physical distancing. We will continue to keep each other safe by working together.

Yours very truly,

David C. Dingwall

President & Vice-Chancellor