A message to all students, faculty and staff by Trent President & Vice-Chancellor Leo Groarke

Students, Staff, Faculty and Friends of Trent;

I am writing to inform you that a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been associated with our Peterborough campus.

In view of the coronavirus developments around the globe, Peterborough Public Health Unit and the University have been preparing for this possibility. Peterborough Public Health informs us that the male in his 30s presented himself at Peterborough Regional Health Centre's emergency department after having traveled to Spain and Portugal. He experienced fever, dry cough, and headache and was cared for at the hospital using all of the prescribed precautions, and was isolated as he was tested for COVID-19. He was discharged the same day and, following proper protocols, is in self-isolation at home, where he remains with follow-up from Peterborough Public Health. ​The public health unit conducted a detailed investigation and has reached out to those who had close contact with this individual and encouraged them to self-monitor for any symptoms.

​The Health Unit's advice for members of the Trent community remains as it does for everyone around the world. Practice good hand hygiene, wash your hands frequently, increase social distancing and self-monitor. If you have symptoms that you think might be COVID-19, self-isolate until you can be tested, and consult the recommendations from Peterborough Public Health at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. ​It is important to note that more than 80% of those who contract COVID-19 will have very few or mild symptoms.

​Consistent with the provincial direction to increase social distancing and increase remote work, Trent and the Public Health Authorities are taking the following immediate steps to protect the health of our students, faculty and staff.

Public Health has already reached out to those who have been in close contact with this individual and asked them to self-monitor for symptoms. The University will be closing most campus buildings in Peterborough and Durham at the end of the day Monday to all but essential services. With classes moving online, and campus buildings closing, Trent is directing Peterborough residence students who can move back home to do so. Housing Services will be communicating details to residence students shortly. Essential services including residential accommodation that supports social distancing and food services will be provided for students unable to return home. The University continues to plan for the alternate delivery of courses and exams. Students will hear from their instructors, who will provide further information, by Wednesday. All student placements are suspended for the remainder of the term. Graduate students who require access to facilities for their research should speak with their supervisors to arrange access. The University will be asking employees who are able to work from home, to do so beginning Tuesday. Please be in touch with your supervisor for further instructions.

If you are concerned that you may have come into contact with the virus, please consult the recommendations from Peterborough Public Health at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

We understand that this is a stressful time and we are committed to supporting our students, staff and faculty. I have been impressed by the sense of calm and cooperation exhibited by our entire campus community.

Please watch for more information and details tomorrow in a new set of Questions and Answers at www.trentu.ca/covid19 .

Best Regards,

Leo

Leo Groarke

President and Vice-Chancellor