Late in the evening of March, 4, 2020, it was brought to our attention that a student might have come into contact with COVID-19.
We have a very robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and we were able to implement our BCP within 30 mins, switching our teaching to an online delivery mode and temporarily closing our campuses in Vancouver, BC pending a full disinfection of the facilities.
We are confident that we have managed to contain the student who was potentially affected, and the deep-cleaning of our campuses is therefore a precautionary measure. Students and staff who may have been in close contact with the affected students have been identified and contacted with information and advice.
No, our overarching goal is to protect our students, staff and faculty and we also have a responsibility toward our wider community. Therefore, we have acted in the most responsible manner possible and as quickly as possible.
We cannot discuss details of the students involved, but can confirm that the father of the student has recently arrived in Canada from overseas.
We do not believe so.
We have only closed our campus and premises as a precaution. We remain ‘open’ via online resources, and our faculty and students are in direct contact virtually.
As a precaution we have closed our campus and no staff or students are on site. Only a ‘deep clean team’ at this moment is on-site. There has been no disruption to our education delivery to students. Students are still being taught their syllabus – we remain fully functioning.
At this time, it is too soon to speculate, but we would take robust action should this be the case.
We are taking the advice from the federal government and also the WHO and making the best judgements we can – Canada remains open for international travel at this time and we are also working closely with local BC health authorities – unfortunately we do not expect to be the only organization in BC affected by a potential COVID-19 illness.
We have identified students and staff who may have been in close contact with the affected students and they have been contacted with information and advice. The University will continue to support them remotely. If we have not contacted you, you can be reassured that you would not have been in close contact with the affected students.
Yes, all our courses are running as usual. We have taken a temporary, precautionary measure of delivering our courses online for a brief period of time while our campuses are being disinfected; all our courses will run as usual.
If you are unwell, please contact your doctor or health care provider for immediate advice.
Generally, the symptoms of Covid-19 for most otherwise healthy people are expected to be mild and resemble those of the flu, including fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.
Those with underlying health conditions and those over 60 are at increased risk and should discuss the best measures with their doctor or healthcare provider.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (preferred).
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
