St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish has confirmed 12 members have tested positive for COVID-19 amid an outbreak.
President Andy W. Hakin says in a news release all are experiencing mild symptoms and have been provided with support services if required to isolate, including help with groceries.
“More cases are expected in the coming days as the Public Health investigation continues and others are tested,” the Facebook post says.
Public Health will issue exposure notices related to specific locations in the community.
According to the statement, the high vaccination rate on campus along with mask-wearing and testing policies are helping to reduce the spread.
“Public Health has reinforced there is no current rationale to interrupt our operational plans regarding offering in-person exams,” the schools says. “In fact, it was noted that, in conjunction with mask-wearing, exam settings are typically a lower risk environment, due to physical spacing and limited interaction.”
St. FX is working with health officials to monitor the outbreak and will follow their recommendations.
The university does not have a mandatory vaccine policy in place, but strongly encourages students and staff to have both shots.
COVID-19 testing coming to Antigonish
Public Health’s Mobile Unit is heading to Antigonish this week to offer free COVID-19 testing to the community.
The unit will be set up at the Keating Centre on 1100 Convocation Boulevard on the following dates:
Wednesday, December 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It’s free and open to all ages.
You can head to the site with or without symptoms, if you have been at a potential exposure location, or if you have been identified as a close contact.
Health officials are also opening a testing centre at the Antigonish Market Square on Church Street.
“With the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 in the community, as a precautionary measure, Nova Scotia Health will open the Antigonish COVID-19 Testing Centre,” a news release says. “Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. – walk-ins welcome at this time.”
You can book an appointment or drop in.
