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IMPORTANT REGARDING HEALTH ISSUES AT NORTH CAMPUS (JANUARY 22, 3:00 P.M.) By Sara Laux on January 22, 2017
Reading time: 5 min read
Updated: Sunday, January 22, 2017 (3:00 p.m.)
Humber College continues to work closely with Toronto Public Health (TPH) to investigate reports of illness at the North Campus. Students who have reported they were ill are recovering after resting and rehydrating.
According to Toronto Public Health people who have become ill have recovered in one to two days without serious health effects.
The total number of ill students has not appreciably changed from yesterday evening, with approximately 200 reported cases of people experiencing common symptoms of stomach cramping and vomiting.
If you are feeling ill:
Stay home until you have been symptom free for 48 hours
Wash your hands well using soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing food and after using the bathroom
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Avoid preparing food for others
Toronto Public Health are currently testing samples and the lab results are pending.
The health and safety of the Humber community is our utmost concern. We have taken all active measures to date under the advisement of Toronto Public Health to protect the health and wellbeing of our community, including:
Encouraging everyone to follow vigilant health hygiene practices.
Enhancing environmental cleaning in the North Campus student residence and across the entire campus (more frequently and with a focus on high touch/risk areas/surfaces).
We encourage anyone who has been ill or suspect they may be becoming ill to stay home until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. Students will be receiving an email from Humber College containing instructions regarding academic consideration.
Anyone who has been ill is requested to fill out an online public health survey at tph.to/gastrobusters. This will aid the college and Toronto Public Health in tracking cases and to continue taking appropriate actions on campus. Inquiries related to medical aspects of this incident can be forward to Toronto Public Health at: tphmedia@toronto.ca
We encourage all members of the Humber community to refer to humber.ca for updates as we continue to work with Toronto Public Health to identify the root cause of this incident.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding the health incident at Humber's North Campus.
Updated: Friday, January 20, 2017 (10:30 p.m.)
Humber College has been in regular contact with Toronto Public Health (TPH), who continues to investigate reports of illness at the Humber College North Campus.
Over the past 24 hours, Humber College has maintained contact with residence students who identified symptoms of cramping, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. We are pleased to note that several students affected are reporting signs of improvement and feeling better.
To date, food inspectors have found no significant food safety issues in the residence-dining hall. While the investigation continues, Humber College has stopped all self-service food options (such as salad bars) from all food outlets on campus.
Humber has increased cleaning frequency in the residences and is assisting affected students by delivering water to encourage hydration.
We continue to encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom. Anyone who is ill with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home until they are feeling better for at least 48 hours and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Humber nurses will be available to students in residence on Saturday for health education and support for those with active signs and symptoms. Students who require emergency care should go to hospital.
We encourage all ill students or anyone else who works at or visited the campus and was ill to fill out an online Toronto Public Health survey at tph.to/gastrobusters to assist with information gathering for this investigation. Students are also encouraged to report illness to TPH by calling 311 on weekends.
Updates will continue to be provided into next week via the humber.ca and social media channels.
Updated Friday, January 20 (5:00 pm)
We have been in regular contact with Toronto Public Health (TPH), and we are expecting an update from them this evening.
We are pleased to note that several students have reported feeling better.
TPH has indicated some of the following information:
Public Health food inspectors found no indications of food violations in the residence dining hall
They are pleased with actions taken by Humber, which include increasing cleaning that adhere to strict protocols, removal of all self-service items (such as salad bars) from all food outlets on campus, and delivery of water to residence areas to help students stay hydrated.
Humber staff have been contacting students who have been experiencing symptoms to see how they are feeling. As mentioned earlier, many report to us and to TPH that they are feeling better. Health Centre staff will be on site in residence on Saturday to continue supporting students.
We continue to encourage vigilant hand hygiene and limiting contact when necessary.
Any students who are worried about missing classes are encouraged to focus on their health, then speak with their professors when they're better.
Updates will continue to be provided into next week via the Humber website and social media.
Updated Friday, January 20 12:00 p.m.
On Thursday January 19, a number of students in Humber College?s North Campus residence became ill with symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain. At this point in time we are aware of 77 students who experienced symptoms and approximately 30 who were transported to hospital.
This morning hospital sources confirmed to Humber that the source of the illness is undetermined and that students treated at the hospital returned to campus throughout the night. Humber Health Centre staff notified Toronto Public Health yesterday and continues to get guidance and advice from them. We continue to monitor the situation, provide support to our students, and encourage everyone to ensure they engage in good hygiene practices. Additional cleaning staff have been added to the residences.
As more information becomes available, we will provide updates. Please monitor this page and Humber social media.
In the meantime we encourage everyone to engage in common health hygiene practices. Specifically:
* Clean hands frequently (rub vigorously with soap and water)
* Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands;
* If you get sick, try to limit social contact;
* Keep your hands away from your face;
* Keep common surface areas - for example, doorknobs, light switches, telephones and keyboards - clean and disinfected;
Anyone experiencing symptoms, is encouraged to seek medical assistance as appropriate. Non-emergency health services will be available to students, faculty and staff at North campus, 2nd floor, Student Wellness Centre until 4:30, weekdays. Anyone experiencing worsening symptoms should seek emergency medical support at the hospital.
The health and wellbeing of the Humber Community is our utmost priority. We will be posting updates to the community as they become available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE REGARDING HEALTH ISSUES AT NORTH CAMPUS (JANUARY 23, 2017 11:30 A.M.) By Sara Laux on January 23, 2017
Reading time: 2 min read
Updated January 23, 11:30 a.m.
As of Monday morning, we are pleased to report that the number of ill students has not increased appreciably and we are working diligently to ensure that this continues.
As well, approximately 75 per cent of students who were ill now report that they are feeling better. We are hoping to have this confirmed by Toronto Public Health (TPH) by the end of the day.
Although formal test results are pending, TPH suggests that the symptoms are consistent with a seasonal virus such as norovirus. We are hoping to receive confirmation of the source by the end of the day.
To that end, cleaning staff have been working at the North Campus throughout the weekend, cleaning high-touch and common areas with products specifically designated to kill norovirus.
A nursing station has been set up in residence for any students who may require medical attention, which will remain open until no longer needed. We continue to communicate with students on their status and to provide support.
As a precaution, we have disposed of all open food from last week (including any items that are not packaged or sealed). Self-serve food, such as salad bar items, is not available for the time being.
We strongly urge all students and staff to follow these hygiene guidelines from Toronto Public Health:
Wash hands regularly using soap and warm water, rubbing for at least 15 seconds
Use hand sanitizer when available; rub one pump into hands until hands are dry
If you are experiencing symptoms:
Stay home until you have been symptom free for 48 hours
Wash your hands well using soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing food and after using the bathroom
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Avoid preparing food for others
The health and wellbeing of the Humber community is our utmost priority. Please check humber.ca for further updates.
Reading time: 5 min read
Updated: Sunday, January 22, 2017 (3:00 p.m.)
Humber College continues to work closely with Toronto Public Health (TPH) to investigate reports of illness at the North Campus. Students who have reported they were ill are recovering after resting and rehydrating.
According to Toronto Public Health people who have become ill have recovered in one to two days without serious health effects.
The total number of ill students has not appreciably changed from yesterday evening, with approximately 200 reported cases of people experiencing common symptoms of stomach cramping and vomiting.
If you are feeling ill:
Stay home until you have been symptom free for 48 hours
Wash your hands well using soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing food and after using the bathroom
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Avoid preparing food for others
Toronto Public Health are currently testing samples and the lab results are pending.
The health and safety of the Humber community is our utmost concern. We have taken all active measures to date under the advisement of Toronto Public Health to protect the health and wellbeing of our community, including:
Encouraging everyone to follow vigilant health hygiene practices.
Enhancing environmental cleaning in the North Campus student residence and across the entire campus (more frequently and with a focus on high touch/risk areas/surfaces).
We encourage anyone who has been ill or suspect they may be becoming ill to stay home until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. Students will be receiving an email from Humber College containing instructions regarding academic consideration.
Anyone who has been ill is requested to fill out an online public health survey at tph.to/gastrobusters. This will aid the college and Toronto Public Health in tracking cases and to continue taking appropriate actions on campus. Inquiries related to medical aspects of this incident can be forward to Toronto Public Health at: tphmedia@toronto.ca
We encourage all members of the Humber community to refer to humber.ca for updates as we continue to work with Toronto Public Health to identify the root cause of this incident.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding the health incident at Humber's North Campus.
Updated: Friday, January 20, 2017 (10:30 p.m.)
Humber College has been in regular contact with Toronto Public Health (TPH), who continues to investigate reports of illness at the Humber College North Campus.
Over the past 24 hours, Humber College has maintained contact with residence students who identified symptoms of cramping, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. We are pleased to note that several students affected are reporting signs of improvement and feeling better.
To date, food inspectors have found no significant food safety issues in the residence-dining hall. While the investigation continues, Humber College has stopped all self-service food options (such as salad bars) from all food outlets on campus.
Humber has increased cleaning frequency in the residences and is assisting affected students by delivering water to encourage hydration.
We continue to encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom. Anyone who is ill with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home until they are feeling better for at least 48 hours and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Humber nurses will be available to students in residence on Saturday for health education and support for those with active signs and symptoms. Students who require emergency care should go to hospital.
We encourage all ill students or anyone else who works at or visited the campus and was ill to fill out an online Toronto Public Health survey at tph.to/gastrobusters to assist with information gathering for this investigation. Students are also encouraged to report illness to TPH by calling 311 on weekends.
Updates will continue to be provided into next week via the humber.ca and social media channels.
Updated Friday, January 20 (5:00 pm)
We have been in regular contact with Toronto Public Health (TPH), and we are expecting an update from them this evening.
We are pleased to note that several students have reported feeling better.
TPH has indicated some of the following information:
Public Health food inspectors found no indications of food violations in the residence dining hall
They are pleased with actions taken by Humber, which include increasing cleaning that adhere to strict protocols, removal of all self-service items (such as salad bars) from all food outlets on campus, and delivery of water to residence areas to help students stay hydrated.
Humber staff have been contacting students who have been experiencing symptoms to see how they are feeling. As mentioned earlier, many report to us and to TPH that they are feeling better. Health Centre staff will be on site in residence on Saturday to continue supporting students.
We continue to encourage vigilant hand hygiene and limiting contact when necessary.
Any students who are worried about missing classes are encouraged to focus on their health, then speak with their professors when they're better.
Updates will continue to be provided into next week via the Humber website and social media.
Updated Friday, January 20 12:00 p.m.
On Thursday January 19, a number of students in Humber College?s North Campus residence became ill with symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain. At this point in time we are aware of 77 students who experienced symptoms and approximately 30 who were transported to hospital.
This morning hospital sources confirmed to Humber that the source of the illness is undetermined and that students treated at the hospital returned to campus throughout the night. Humber Health Centre staff notified Toronto Public Health yesterday and continues to get guidance and advice from them. We continue to monitor the situation, provide support to our students, and encourage everyone to ensure they engage in good hygiene practices. Additional cleaning staff have been added to the residences.
As more information becomes available, we will provide updates. Please monitor this page and Humber social media.
In the meantime we encourage everyone to engage in common health hygiene practices. Specifically:
* Clean hands frequently (rub vigorously with soap and water)
* Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands;
* If you get sick, try to limit social contact;
* Keep your hands away from your face;
* Keep common surface areas - for example, doorknobs, light switches, telephones and keyboards - clean and disinfected;
Anyone experiencing symptoms, is encouraged to seek medical assistance as appropriate. Non-emergency health services will be available to students, faculty and staff at North campus, 2nd floor, Student Wellness Centre until 4:30, weekdays. Anyone experiencing worsening symptoms should seek emergency medical support at the hospital.
The health and wellbeing of the Humber Community is our utmost priority. We will be posting updates to the community as they become available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE REGARDING HEALTH ISSUES AT NORTH CAMPUS (JANUARY 23, 2017 11:30 A.M.) By Sara Laux on January 23, 2017
Reading time: 2 min read
Updated January 23, 11:30 a.m.
As of Monday morning, we are pleased to report that the number of ill students has not increased appreciably and we are working diligently to ensure that this continues.
As well, approximately 75 per cent of students who were ill now report that they are feeling better. We are hoping to have this confirmed by Toronto Public Health (TPH) by the end of the day.
Although formal test results are pending, TPH suggests that the symptoms are consistent with a seasonal virus such as norovirus. We are hoping to receive confirmation of the source by the end of the day.
To that end, cleaning staff have been working at the North Campus throughout the weekend, cleaning high-touch and common areas with products specifically designated to kill norovirus.
A nursing station has been set up in residence for any students who may require medical attention, which will remain open until no longer needed. We continue to communicate with students on their status and to provide support.
As a precaution, we have disposed of all open food from last week (including any items that are not packaged or sealed). Self-serve food, such as salad bar items, is not available for the time being.
We strongly urge all students and staff to follow these hygiene guidelines from Toronto Public Health:
Wash hands regularly using soap and warm water, rubbing for at least 15 seconds
Use hand sanitizer when available; rub one pump into hands until hands are dry
If you are experiencing symptoms:
Stay home until you have been symptom free for 48 hours
Wash your hands well using soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing food and after using the bathroom
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Avoid preparing food for others
The health and wellbeing of the Humber community is our utmost priority. Please check humber.ca for further updates.
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