Procedure for managing positive cases and outbreaks on campus

Nipissing University should be prepared for possible positive cases or outbreaks on campus despite all current efforts implemented to prevent these from occurring. 

Locally, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is responsible for declaring an outbreak within their district. 

What is an outbreak?

The Health Unit may declare an outbreak when:

• There are two or more connected cases of COVID-19 within a workplace setting, or
• There is one positive COVID-19 case within the residence complexes

How will a positive case or outbreak be managed?

Close and ongoing communication with the Health Unit is key to the successful management and containment of COVID-19

HR Generalist, Health & Safety will coordinate with the public health unit to manage and respond to individual cases of COVID-19 at Nipissing University. In close collaboration with the public health team the HR Generalist, Health & Safety will be responsible for advising the University’s management of a response to an outbreak. 

NOTE: A larger outbreak may require the closing of building floors, entire buildings or the day to day operations in certain areas of the University. 

When the University is made aware of a confirmed case of COVID-19 on campus, regardless of community transmission, the following procedures are recommended:

1. HR Generalist contacts the COVID Response Team (CRT) to advise of situation
   
   1. CRT will meet immediately to determine next steps
   2. Communicate action plan with Health Unit
   3. Work with Health Unit to determine additional actions as required (cancellation of classes, closure of buildings, cessation of athletic training session, cessation of student events)
2. Communicate with students, staff, and faculty
   
   1. Communication messages will be prepared in advance to advise all members of the Nipissing university community of the positive case or outbreak
3. Cleaning and Disinfecting
   
   1. Close off areas used by the infected person. Open outside windows and doors (if available) to increase air circulation in the area
   2. Cleaning staff will be provided appropriate PPE to don while cleaning and disinfecting areas
   3. Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms and common areas) used by the COVID-19 positive individuals
   4. Items/furnishings that cannot be disinfected (plush, paper, books, cardboard, cloth chairs, window coverings etc.) shall be kept in quarantine for a period of 72 hours.
4. Ensure continuity of Education and Research
   
   1. Implement contingency plans for continuity of teaching, learning and research
5. Ensure the continuity of safe housing
   
   1. If positive individual resides in Residence, please follow Residence Isolation protocol
   2. Work with Health Unit to take all necessary precautions
   3. If positive individual resides off-campus housing, provide isolation suite as per Residence Isolation protocol

This document has been approved by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and will be revised as necessary.

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Last Updated on September 29, 2020