Ontario Police College pauses in-person classes after COVID-19 outbreak
27 people linked to the college are self-isolating after testing positive for the virus
The Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ont., has halted in-person learning following a COVID-19 outbreak.
The college has seen 27 positive cases linked to the facility since Feb. 22, said Brent Ross, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
"In consultation with the local public health unit and to help prevent the potential for further spread, in-person instruction at the college will be paused for 14 days, and recruits that test positive will remain at the college to self-isolate," Ross said.
The college, which trains more than 400 recruits, has implemented a number of safety measures during the pandemic to curb the spread of COVID-19. The measures include mandatory screening, on-site testing, personal protective equipment as well as implementing isolation whenever necessary.
"The health of our staff and recruits is the top priority, and we continue to work with local public health to protect their safety," Ross said.
On Thursday, all staff and recruits were tested for the disease, and they're set to receive their results over the coming days.
Southwestern Public Health, which oversees Oxford and Elgin counties, recorded eight new COVID-19 cases Friday. The region currently has 43 active cases.