This message is sent on behalf of Fabrice Labeau, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning).
Dear members of the McGill community,
With reading week coming to an end, health authorities are still very clear that the risk of a coronavirus outbreak in Canada is low. We strongly encourage you to continue practicing proper health precautions, including washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.
As many of you are returning from travelling abroad, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that if, upon your arrival to Canada, you develop a fever, cough or begin to have difficulty breathing within 14 days, you:
- isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible
- immediately call a healthcare professional or 1 877 644-4545 (Info-Santé)
- describe your symptoms and travel history
- follow their instructions carefully
If you have been travelling from China’s Hubei province or from Iran, the Public Health Agency of Canada asks that, for 14 days starting the day you began your journey to Canada, you self-isolate by:
- limiting contact with others, including visitors
- avoiding contact with older adults and individuals with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems
- watching for fever, cough or difficulty breathing
In addition, you are also asked to call 1 877 644-4545 (Info-Santé) within 24 hours of arriving in Canada to describe your symptoms and document your travel history.
If you are a student and have been advised to self-isolate by a healthcare professional, please report your situation to your student affairs office or your department.
If you are a student living in residence and have been advised to self-isolate by a healthcare professional, it is important that you self-report your status by contacting Student Housing and Hospitality Services at housing.residences@mcgill.ca. Self-reporting will ensure that assistance is provided to you and services are maintained.
If you are an employee and have been advised to self-isolate by a healthcare professional, it is important you self-report your status by contacting your immediate supervisor.
Whether you have been travelling or not, members of the McGill community who have flu-like symptoms should call 1 877 644-4545 (Info-Santé) instead of going in-person to the Wellness Hub or a medical clinic. Info-Santé is a free and confidential telephone consultation service available to all. Based on your symptoms and travel history, Info-Santé will advise you on the best course of action.
Moreover, international students covered by Blue Cross have virtual access to doctors via the Maple app (getmaple.com). Fees are reimbursed by your health care plan within 72 hours. Students with other health insurance plans may also use this service, however it is not currently covered by other insurers.
We take the safety and security of our community very seriously. So far, we’ve taken the following steps to ensure the continuation of normal on-campus activities:
- Working groups from across the University have been convened to coordinate action as new information emerges.
- Posters have been placed around our campuses advising people on tips to avoid viral illnesses and transmission of viruses.
- Hand sanitizer stations are being deployed around our campuses.
The University’s coronavirus webpage remains the most up-to-date source of information for our community.
Inquiries should be directed to the COVID-19.info@mcgill.ca email address.
Sincerely,
Deputy Provost (Student Life & Learning)
March 6 2020