We have assembled an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for you regarding COVID to help in answering questions you may have or questions coming to you from someone else. A number of questions and answers are outlined below.
Q. Can I come to campus if I only feel unwell, but not sick?
We’ve consulted with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to come up with a quick guide as to whether you should come to campus or not, if you or someone you live with are sick.
You’ll find that on our website, www.cambriancollege.ca/reopen. In point #10 of the top ten list, click on “scenarios”.
Generally, though, we are asking you not to come to campus if you are feeling sick.
Q. If I start feeling sick, should I get tested for COVID-19?
Monitor your health. You can visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus to take a self-assessment. Based on your results, testing may be recommended. You can also use that website to find a COVID testing centre near you. You can also go to your local public health website (in Greater Sudbury, visit www.phsd.ca).
Even if testing for COVID-19 is not recommended for you, we ask that you not come to campus until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours, or at least 48 hours if you experienced vomiting or diarrhea.
Q. If I have been sick, do I need a doctor’s note to come back on campus?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, yes, you will need clearance from an appropriate health care professional to return to campus.
If you have tested negative for COVID-19, we ask that you only return to campus if you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
If you have not been tested, monitor your health, and only return to campus when you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours, or at least 48 hours if you experienced vomiting or diarrhea.
Q. What if I miss labs and other necessary hands-on learning?
You can contact your Program Coordinator, who will work with your Dean and faculty to make arrangements with you.
Q. Why don’t you shut down the campus if you get a confirmed case of COVID-19 and do a deep cleaning of the entire campus?
When we are informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 on campus, we do undertake a thorough cleaning of the areas of campus where the individual may have been. This includes labs, classes, washrooms, exam/lunch areas, door handles, handrails, etc.
It may assure you to know that, every day, we do a thorough cleaning of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces on campus.
This cleaning protocol remains the same, whether the campus is open or closed.
In addition, we have in place other rigourous infection-control practices such as limiting campus access to only those students and employees who need to be here, controlled entrances, pre-screening for COVID symptoms before you are allowed on campus, a mandatory face covering policy, and cleaning of learning spaces and tools before and after each use.
Health and safety is our top priority, followed by ensuring our students are able to complete the lab portions of their courses. We’re confident the measures we put in place daily will achieve both.
Q. Why don’t you give us more information when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 involving someone at Cambrian?
We are legally obliged to protect the personal health information of employees and students. As such, we cannot reveal information that could lead to the identity of someone within the Cambrian community who tests positive for COVID-19.
But we know you want information to help you determine your level of risk.
We will tell you when the person was last on campus and general areas where they may have been (i.e. Trades Building, Student Residence) to help you make that determination of your level of risk.
This level of disclosure is similar to what is being done at some other colleges and universities.
Q. But how am I supposed to know what my level of risk is?
Public Health Sudbury & Districts (or your local public health authority) is responsible for notifying anyone who may have come in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. If you are not contacted by Public Health, you are NOT considered a close contact.
You are a close contact if you HAVE BEEN within 2 metres (6 feet) of someone who is COVID-positive, for at least 15 minutes, without you wearing personal protective equipment (face covering)
The best way to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19 is to follow best practices all the time, whether you are on campus or out in the community:
- maintain physical distancing
- avoid crowds
- wear a face covering in public spaces and when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- cough into your sleeve or a tissue
- wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
- stay home if you are sick and avoid other sick people as much as possible.
- Download the free COVID Alert app
If you do these things consistently, you will lower your risk of exposure to COVID-19, wherever you are.
If you are still concerned about your risk of exposure, we absolutely encourage you to contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200. Share with them your circumstance and they will provide you with an official assessment and further guidance. Remember, you can also do a self-assessment at www.ontario.ca/coronavirus.
At what point would you declare an outbreak at Cambrian if you’ve had more than one case and would you shut down the college if an outbreak was declared?
It is Public Health that declares an outbreak based on the individual circumstances, and it will provide direction on what we should do.
An outbreak is not declared just because you have more than one case at the same time or have had more than one case in total.
The Ontario Ministry of Health, Infectious Disease Protocol provides some criteria to consider when determining if an outbreak has occurred:
- Are there two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases with a link in the workplace within a 14-day period and where it is reasonable to assume the individuals acquired their infection in the workplace.
The declaration of an outbreak does not automatically mean the shutdown of the college. Outbreaks were declared at two universities in Ontario, and they remained open because of the measures that were put in place to contain the spread.
We will inform you if ever there is an official declaration of outbreak at Cambrian and we will also share with you our plans to deal with it, while respecting the personal health information of those who have tested positive.
We hope this helps answer some of the questions you may have. If you have other questions please let me know or please feel free to contact us at covid@cambriancollege.ca
Thanks and stay safe.
Alison De Luisa
Associate Vice President, Human Resources and Student Services
Cambrian College