COVID-19 outbreak at Queen’s residences during move-out week

Update (Monday, Apr. 26, 2021 at 4:45 p.m.):
According to Queen’s University, residence move-out processes are continuing in accordance with approved Public Health protocols.

“Students proceeding with move-out to complete their isolation period at home are receiving additional information about applicable safely measures. Students unable to move-out as initially scheduled will continue to be supported,” the University said in an email to Kingstonist.

Original article:

With only a few days left of the 2020-2021 school season, Queen’s University and KFL&A Public Health have identified a COVID-19 outbreak involving nine students living at two residences on Queen’s campus.

The University identified the residences at Victoria Hall and Chown Hall as being involved in the outbreak in a media release dated Sunday, Apr. 25, 2021. KFL&A Public Health continues to investigate and conduct contact tracing and additional testing.

“The University has strict protocols in place to respond to an outbreak in residence and is actively executing that plan to mitigate further spread and help ensure the safety of all students, staff, and faculty,” the university said. “All students of immediate concern have been informed, are isolating, and following proper protocols.”

Residence move-out is continuing in accordance with KFL&A Public Health protocols, with most students expected to have vacated residence by Thursday, Apr. 29, 2021 according to the release.

All students living in residences must follow a strict protocol. The University said they also have enhanced cleaning protocols in place and strict rules around dining and food safety.

At the time of publication, there were nine active cases of COVID-19 associated with the outbreak. At the end of last week, Queen’s was reporting 17 new cases in the university community, 10 in residences and seven off campus. That brings cases associated with Queen’s to a total of 309. Queen’s accounts for 22 of the KFL&A region’s 83 active cases.

The University reports all of its COVID-19 cases on its COVID-19 case tracker.

The KHSC satellite COVID-19 assessment centre located on campus is open this week, according to the release. Located at Mitchell Hall, the centre will offer COVID-19 testing to students from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book an appointment, please call Student Wellness Services at 613-533-2506.

The COVID-19 assessment centre at the Beechgrove Complex at 51 Heakes Lane, Kingston, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only.