Positive Cases Notification

To the CBU Community,

I am writing today to inform you that we have recently become aware of four positive COVID-19 cases connected to Cape Breton University. The students recently arrived in Cape Breton and three have been self-isolating off-campus, while one student has been self-isolating on-campus since that time, following all mandatory public health requirements. These students continue 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 these students, 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.

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, at the Pop-up Rapid Testing Clinic held at the Cape Breton Health and Recreation Complex (the Dome), there were nearly 2000 tests completed. Even more were completed at the Membertou location and at the Grand Lake Road Fire Hall. Cape Bretoner’s are turning out in full force to play their part in asymptomatic testing. I am so proud of our community, and the way we have all come together to stop the spread of this virus. In order to increase testing capacity, the pop-up rapid testing clinic is now located at Center 200. Through strong collaboration with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Nova Scotia Health, this new location will allow even more community members access to this crucial testing. To do our part, Cape Breton University will invest in student employment opportunities to help ensure there are enough human resources available to carry out the large quantities of tests we are seeing.

Anyone who wishes to also participate in testing can do so by booking an appointment online or visiting a testing site in Membertou or at Centre 200 (asymptomatic only) during their hours of operation.

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