McMaster suspends university-related travel, launches new COVID-19 website

Hamilton | Ontario | COVID | Latest News |

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Published March 12, 2020 at 1:49 pm

McMaster University announced Wednesday (March 11) that they have suspended all international travel for ‘McMaster-related activities’ as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

McMaster University announced Wednesday (March 11) that they have suspended all international travel for ‘McMaster-related activities’ as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University said on their website that the suspension, which is a response to the always-changing travel warnings, is effective immediately.

“Students who are already on exchange or doing fieldwork or have a placement in another country should be in touch with their university supervisor to discuss any concerns they may have including whether they wish to return earlier than planned,” the university said.

Returning students and staff are urged to follow protocols laid out by Global Affairs Canada.

They include:

  • Monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada, and if these symptoms arise, contact Public Health.
  • If you have travelled to Hubei province, China, or Iran in the last 14 days, limit your contact with others for a total of 14 days, starting the day you began your journey to Canada. This means self-isolate and stay at home. Contact Public Health within 24 hours of arrival in Canada.
  • If you develop symptoms of coronavirus before you are scheduled to leave, do not get on board any form of public transportation. Seek medical attention.
  • If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 during a flight, tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you enter the country. They will notify a quarantine officer who will assess your symptoms.
  • If you do not have symptoms but believe you were exposed to a source of COVID-19, report this information to a Canada border services agent on arrival in Canada.
  • If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself at home as quickly as possible and call your appropriate public health authority immediately.

McMaster said they are urging students, staff and faculty to carefully consider plans for international travel and to take into consideration the potential for any restrictions that might occur while in another country.

The University also announced that they have launched a new website that contains links to reputable sources of information and contains videos featuring McMaster experts providing helpful tips and resources to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus.

The new website, which will be continually updated with new information as it arises, can be found here.

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