Poor COVID treatment alleged at cadet camp

Concerns have been expressed about a COVID-19 outbreak this summer at a military training camp in Ottawa that resulted in 55 staff and cadets contracting the virus.

Military sources contacted the Ottawa Citizen about the outbreak at the Connaught Cadet Training Centre, raising concerns about what they claim was poor treatment of the cadets, who at times went without food. In one incident, an adult staff member who had COVID, and who was not given meals, left the camp to go to a fast-food outlet.

In a statement, the Canadian Forces acknowledged there was an outbreak at the camp. “Despite best efforts, 55 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed at Connaught CTC during the summer, the largest cluster of which involved 24 individual cases,” explained Maj. Jenn Jackson, a public affairs officer for the cadets. “To ensure physical distancing, two tents (which are designed to accommodate up to 48 individuals each) were designated specifically as isolation areas.”

Jackson said the peak of the outbreak took place from July 21 to July 25. Twhere were around 430 cadets and staff at the camp.

Isolation protocol for the camp consists of housing positive COVID cases in designated tents, where individuals are instructed to follow provincial health measures and maintain social distancing. The length of isolation was for five days, Jackson noted. After completion of the isolation period, the individual had to wear a medical mask at all times for an additional five days.

Jackson said food was delivered to the tents during regular mealtimes and included accommodations for allergies and specific diets, but she acknowledged “the overall selection was more limited than typically available at the dining hall.”

Jackson noted that, as a result of a “miscommunication,” one adult staff member wasn’t provided with food and missed two meals. “They briefly left the camp, going to a drive-thru while wearing their mask, which is the protocol in their home province,” Jackson noted. “Upon their return, they were advised of Ontario’s health regulations and the requirement that they remain at Connaught CTC for the duration of their isolation.”

The adult staff member was provided with meals for the rest of their isolation time in the tent.

The Connaught Cadet Training Centre staff includes on-site medical personnel. The cadets and staff with COVID-19 were monitored hourly by operations staff and provided regular medical support, including the administration of medications to mitigate symptoms, Jackson said.