Coronavirus - be informed

This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.

The University of Lethbridge is monitoring closely the Wuhan novel Coronavirus situation and encouraging our campus community to educate themselves about the circumstances and understand the measures being taken by the University.

On Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a memo to all Alberta post-secondary institutions providing an overview of the Wuhan novel Coronavirus. The memo emphasizes the risk of contracting the virus still remains low for Albertans and provides links to important and relevant information.

To help protect against all respiratory illnesses, including the flu and coronavirus, you should use good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, and stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill. An in-depth description of the symptoms of Coronavirus and prevention tactics, can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

Additional information providing greater context to the situation, and updates, can be found at: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx.

Campus Safety has brought together relevant campus units to ensure quick action can be taken as this dynamic situation continues to evolve. Some decisions have been made in response to the Coronavirus, including not sending student recruiters into China for the time being. Additionally, the Health Centre has implemented protocols to accommodate any member of our campus community who might exhibit symptoms consistent with the virus. Regular hand washing and respiratory etiquette (covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing) will protect staff and students from spreading respiratory viruses.

Members of our community regularly travel abroad for academic and research activities. For those travelling internationally, it is important to know that students participating in a university activity outside of Canada are required, by policy, to register their travel with the University through the Campus Safety, Travel Abroad Registry prior to departure. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to register their business travel at the following secure link: https://www.uleth.ca/campus-safety/forms/student-safety-abroad-registry

The U of L is a destination university on many levels. In addition to welcoming international students, many of our faculty and staff come from abroad. As well, the U of L campus is a hub for community activity and collaboration. Alberta Health Services recommends if you are returning from China or another affected area and are feeling ill that you contact your health-care provider or call Health Link - 811 to receive medical advice on next steps. As well, If you know any individuals with specific concerns related to potential exposures or related symptoms, please advise them to call Health Link - 811 for assessment and health advice

The University is encouraging our campus community to exercise discretion and good judgment as you contemplate future travel. Campus Safety is available to advise on new protocols international travellers may face as well as how to mitigate risk. Additionally, the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory in response to the novel Coronavirus situation, which can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china.

The safety of our campus community is of the utmost importance. We will continue to work closely with community partners like Alberta Health Services and will undertake further actions should the situation change. Additionally, the University will provide regular updates on this situation, including any additional actions that may be taken.


Contact:

Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca | 403-329-2710 | alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx