COVID-19 outbreak at Brock University residences grows to 31 students

The COVID-19 outbreak in studentresidences at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., has grown to 31 cases, the school says.

An update from the universitysays the 31students are in self-isolation on campus, and more students are isolating as contact tracing and COVID-19 testing continues.

Food and other necessary supplies are being delivered to the students, the school says,and residence life staff are checking in on them.

Students aren't allowed to leave their units except in the case of emergencyor for COVID-19 testing.

The university appreciates the co-operation of the entire campus community as togetherwe work to overcome these challenges.- Brock University

"This is a very challenging time. Brock understands an outbreak causes anxiety and stress," the school said in an update. "The university appreciates the co-operation of the entire campus community as togetherwe work to overcome these challenges."

The update remindsstudents that no guests are allowed in any of the residence units, and students shouldn't stand in doorways to talk with each other.

It saysincidents of students violating these COVID-19 mitigation policies will beinvestigated under the student code of conduct.

Isolating students can contact their residence don or residence life staff for help, the school says, andthe service desk is staffed round the clock.

Outbreak due to'social activities'

The university was put into "Brock Stage 1" lockdown last week. That means the few classes that were offered on campus have moved online until at least April 5.

James A. Gibson Library, Computer Commons and all athletic facilities were temporarily closed.

The Niagara Region said the outbreak was centred onthe "social activities of students."

Therelease on Friday said there wasno exposure to the upcoming vaccination clinic site.

The university is asking any students who are experiencing symptoms or have a medical concern to contact Student Health Services immediately atcovid19@brocku.ca.