Carleton University reported 270 new cases of COVID-19 on campus for the month of March, an exponential increase from the 28 documented in February.
Prior to March, a total of 109 known COVID-19 cases were reported on campus across six months. Until recently, the university tracked reported cases “where the individual has been on campus in the 10 days prior to the positive test result being received.” The current March figure already doubled the total amount of the previous six months and the monthly average has risen to 47 cases.
On April 5, Carleton stopped publicizing reported cases of COVID-19 on campus. The page that previously tracked case numbers now says that since the the government of Ontario changed their COVID-19 testing guidelines to focus on “high-risk individuals and individuals who work in high-risk settings,” the university has stopped reporting active cases on campus.
When asked for comment on the change to the website, Carleton communications officials repeated the website statement.
Several factors could be contributing to the sharp increase in cases, which is a nationwide trend.
Fewer COVID-19 precautions could be one reason. On March 21, Ontario Premier Doug Ford lifted proof-of-vaccination requirements and most masks mandates within certain public spaces, including on transit and private institutions. Carleton announced on March 29 that vaccine and mask requirements on campus will be lifted on May 1.
Another reason could be that the new subvariant of Omicron, named BA.2, is more contagious than its precursors.
Gabriel Larrivée, a second-year chemistry student who lives in Carleton residence, got COVID-19 from his roommate after he went to a St. Patrick’s Day party off campus. Larrivée said he thinks loosening restrictions and relaxed attitudes toward COVID-19 are causing the rise in cases.
“When you get a bunch of people that are loosening up on the security measures and are going to a party where, let’s be honest, most of them will be sharing drinks and not always having their mask on all the time, that leads to one person getting infected and that culminates,” Larrivée said.
Larrivée said at least four people on his floor have also tested positive for COVID-19, but he believes there are more cases. He said there are many empty isolation meal bags in his hallway, a service provided by Carleton Dining Services for students who are isolating.
Tara Jackson, Carleton’s communications manager, said the health and safety of the Carleton community is the university’s top priority.
“If public health authorities determine there is a health and safety risk on campus due to a positive test of COVID-19, the university will be provided with directives and appropriate steps will be taken,” Jackson said in an email to the Charlatan.
On March 24, Housing and Residence Life Services sent out an email to all students in residence reminding them of Carleton’s COVID-19 safety measures and informed them that residence has seen a significant increase in positive cases.
“While the majority of positive cases are presenting mild symptoms, some members of our community are getting very sick,” the email read.
While residence services did not define what they categorize as “very sick,” Jackson said that few students are “experiencing more severe symptoms including cough, fever and shortness of breath.”
Laura Burnet, a psychology master’s student who lives in residence, said she was not aware of the increase of COVID-19 cases on campus but is happy with the measures Carleton has in place.
“I think they’re doing as much as they possibly can,” Brunet said. “It makes me feel a little bit safe too, especially keeping the mask mandates and stuff, and the vaccine [requirement] has been nice to see.”
Abdelrahman Nafie, a second-year commerce student who lives on campus, said he finds Carleton’s current restrictions demotivating now that most restrictions have been dropped by the province.
Nafie said he’s not surprised with the current rise in cases, nor is he bothered by it. He said he believes that Carleton has done a good job with handling COVID-19 but should follow the province’s lead and drop most of their remaining restrictions such as CUScreen and mask mandates.
“I feel like everyone is done,” Nafie said. “It has taken a toll on everyone, so I feel that everyone should just move on with their life.”
Carleton told the Charlatan that under guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health, Ottawa Public Health is only tracking and classifying outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Featured image by Arno Ryser.
