Appendix B: Guidelines for Residence Issues

Due to the nature of operation, an influenza pandemic could have a significant impact on the residence operations. Residents live in close proximity, sharing washrooms, kitchen facilities and eating utensils. This increases the likelihood of transmission of the virus.

There are 9 residence buildings on the Loyalist Campus:

Closing the Residence

Should the circulating strain of influenza cause severe illness, the College may be required to close the residence. Hastings and Prince Edward County Public Health will recommend this action as they have medical authority. Hastings and Prince Edward County Public Health will not however, be available to provide supportive care to ill students living in residence. This aspect will also factor into a decision to close the residence.

Students living in residence who cannot travel home for various reasons i.e. distance, travel advisories or illness will have to be accommodated. This includes the provision of food services.

Caring for Ill Students in Residence

Hastings and Prince Edward County Public Health has advised they will not be in a position to provide supportive care to ill students living in college residences in the event of a pandemic, due to insufficient human resources.

During an influenza pandemic, residence staff or student volunteers may need to provide basic care for ill students, as hospitals will be overwhelmed. When feasible, ill students should go home. If this is not achievable, an ill student should be isolated as soon as possible to reduce the chance of spreading the virus. Depending on the number of ill students, the residence may need to isolate several students with influenza in specified areas (e.g. rooms at one end of the hall, or floor).

Consideration should be given to the following recommendations when caring for ill students in residence:

1. Place ill students in a single room, if possible.
2. Separate ill students in the same room by more than 2m (6 feet).
3. Staff members should wear a respirator or mask when they are within 2m (6 feet) of an ill student.
4. In large rooms, create temporary barriers between beds, using sheets, curtains or portable partitions.
5. Increase the cleaning schedule if possible.
6. Ensure ill students have access to food, water and medications.
7. Send ill students to hospitals, if necessary.
8. Provide cleaning staff with recommended protective equipment (i.e. gloves, masks and gowns).