Cambrian College says 23 students have COVID, but no infections took place on campus

SUDBURY -- The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Greater Sudbury has affected 23 students at Cambrian College, the school has announced.

However, the students were not infected on campus, Cambrian College President Bill Best said in an update to the college community.

"This is an ongoing, evolving, and rapidly changing situation in our community," Best said. "The latest information that I can share with you is, at this point, 23 members of the Cambrian family have self-reported that they have tested positive for COVID-19."

The college has been working with Public Health Sudbury and Districts in their investigation and have determined there is no evidence of transmission on campus, nor is there an outbreak at Cambrian.

"There are no further actions required," Best said. "Out of an abundance of caution, we cancelled three classes and conducted deep cleaning of affected areas."

"In all cases, transmission occurred in the community, not on campus. We continue to support them in their recovery, while adhering to PHSD guidelines and the need to uphold the confidentially of all involved," Best added.

Now 54 active cases

The cases are part of a recent surge in infections in Greater Sudbury. Six new cases were reported Monday, bringing the area total number of active cases to 54. Four of the new cases are in Greater Sudbury and two are in the Sudbury District.

Since the pandemic began, 181 people have contracted COVID in the area covered by Public Health, with two deaths.

At Cambrian, Best said they have been advised that no further action is required.

"We must continue to rely on the expertise of our partners in public health, and to understand that the measures we have taken are working to keep people safe on campus," he said.

"As a Sudbury community, we are learning from this situation. I cannot stress enough the importance of continuing to follow infection control best practices on campus, and especially in the broader community. I remind everyone to stay home if feeling ill, get tested, wear a mask in public, practice physical distancing, and limit your social circle to household contacts."