Queen’s University has announced new campus restrictions amid a surge of covid-19 cases in recent weeks. The restrictions come after the Public Health warned of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the community, all linked to house parties on December 11th and 12th. Public Health reports that multiple positive cases attended several house parties on those nights.
“Public Health has expressed their significant concern with the high rates of close contacts, and the University agrees we must take this very seriously,“ Provost Mark Greene said in an email to students on Tuesday.
Queen’s is also “strongly recommending” that students self isolate for 10-14 days before returning home. According to the provost, there could be up to 600 close contacts who may have been exposed to the virus.
“We have had more than 30 students living off-campus test positive in the last few weeks. Many of those students had 10-20 close contacts each, which KFL&A Public Health has informed us is causing the virus to spread unacceptably quickly.” Green said.
As of December 16th, there are 9 off-campus cases of COVID-19 being reported at Queen’s. This brings the active total up to 42.
ARC Restrictions
- Reduced capacity in all ARC spaces (cardio, strength, gyms, etc.)
- Reduced equipment areas
- Reduced capacity in the ARC pool
- Further modifications to activities
- Masks should be worn during all activities
Bookable Study Spaces
- Individual study spaces in Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Mitchell Hall and the Law School are reduced to 10 per room.
- Students can continue to reserve an individual study seat in Stauffer Library and the Education Library
- Two meter distancing and masks in all study spaces on campus remains in effect.
Food Services and Dining Halls
- The Common Ground and Queen’s Centre, Lower Food Court will each reduce to 10 person maximums.
- The University Club has reduced to 10 person maximum capacity per room and no more than 4 individuals per table
- Take-out encouraged in campus dining halls.
