BREAKING: Two presumptive cases of COVID-19 at UNB

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Horizon Health Network sent out a letter on Monday, March 16, to inform faculty, staff and students at the University of New Brunswick that there are two presumptive cases of the coronavirus disease on one of the campuses.

(Horizon Health/Website)

Students, faculty and staff are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for the next 14 days. Symptoms include headache, congestion, achiness, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If you develop symptoms, Horizon Health advises you stay inside and contact Telecare before seeking medical attention but emphasizes not calling if you have no symptoms.

Both cases in Fredericton

The two presumptive cases are on the Fredericton campus and New Brunswick Public Health has verified that both people are being monitored. They are both related to the first travel-related case in NB. Paul Mazerolle, UNB’s President and Vice-Chancellor, sent the following email to students:

“Given the two presumptive cases on campus, and the accelerating pace of newly diagnosed COVID-19 infections in Canada, UNB is transitioning to provide only essential services as directed by New Brunswick Public Health.  Over the next 48 hours, we will be scaling down operations to only those essential to the delivery of courses by alternative methods and business continuity processes.

“I recognize the anxiety and uncertainty the recent message from New Brunswick Public Health is creating for members of our community.  We must take these actions to help limit interpersonal interactions that can allow the virus to spread.   We encourage you to support each other during this difficult time for our university.”

In-person classes recently cancelled

This news comes only 3 days after UNB announced the cancellation of it’s in-person classes for the rest of the academic year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Horizon Health provided a link for general information, found here, and information about self isolation can be found here.

UNB recently provided the following resources for information and support:

Saint John Counselling Services: (506) 648-5501

Fredericton Counselling Services: (506) 453-4820

Tele-care: 811

COVID-19 Information Hotline: 1 (833) 784-4397

UNB Student Health Centre Saint John: (506) 648-5656

UNB Student Health Centre Fredericton: (506) 453-4837

International Student Services Saint John: (506) 648-5618

International Student Advisor’s Office Fredericton: (506) 453-4860

Emily is in her fourth year of Political Science. She loves studying and academics which follows into her research work. She's a stern black coffee drinker and is a proud Acadienne. When she's not working or doing school work, you can find Emily listening to 70s music on vinyl and watching Parks and Recreation. If you ask her about parliamentary institutions, she won't stop talking.