UPDATED: February 13
Note: this message is available in additional languages here: international.niagaracollege.ca/novel-coronavirus/
Niagara College continues its active monitoring of information and guidelines related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and is working in cooperation with local health authorities to ensure the College is prepared to respond if the situation evolves.
As of February 13, the overall risk in Ontario remains low. To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Niagara, and there is no evidence of community spread in Canada.
What’s New:
Niagara Region Public Health has issued a new memo for educational facilities in the Niagara Region that includes travel recommendations for those who have travelled to Hubei Province, and mainland China.
Those who have travelled to Hubei Province in the last 14 days should limit contact with others, self-isolate and stay home for a total of 14 days from the date they left Hubei. They should also contact Public Health within 24 hours of arriving in Canada at 1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7330.
Those who have travelled to mainland China in the last 14 days should monitor themselves for respiratory symptoms, including cough, fever and difficulty breathing, and contact their healthcare professional immediately should these symptoms appear within 14 days of leaving mainland China.
The full memo can be viewed here.
Reminders:
While Niagara College operations remain unaffected, steps are being taken to enhance health and safety measures college-wide. As the current situation coincides with flu season, additional hand sanitizer stations are being installed at both campuses to minimize the spread of germs, and information about good hand hygiene and cough etiquette are being shared via the college’s communications channels.
Students, staff and faculty who are ill should stay home until they are well. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and speak to a health care professional about over-the-counter medications that can help you feel better. Flexibility in accommodating academic absences due to illness will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Be sure to consult public health authorities for the most current and accurate information regarding Coronavirus. Information and regular updates on the status of the Coronavirus are available on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s dedicated website, the Health Canada website, and the Niagara Region Public Health website.
Symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to keep healthy, follow these simple steps:
- Stay home if you are sick. Return when you are well
- Wash your hands. Use soap and water or hand sanitizer
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your sleeve
- Avoid shaking hands and close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid sharing personal items and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
