University of Calgary confirms coronavirus case on campus

Mar 17 2020, 11:05 pm

A case of coronavirus has been detected in a University of Calgary member.

According to a statement emailed to Daily Hive by the University of Calgary, students in the science precinct may have been exposed to COVID-19. An individual self-isolated after showing symptoms and later tested positive for the virus.

The university stated that the individual has not been on campus since March 9 and that the illness was likely travel-related. The person in question was not showing symptoms while on campus and self-isolated immediately after noticing symptoms occur.

On their official website, the university announced that the campus libraries remain open and that alternate-delivery options for class have begun as of Tuesday.

Here is the full statement from university president Dr. Ed McCauley to the university community.

To all members of the University of Calgary community:

This afternoon the University of Calgary was made aware that a member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

This individual, who has not been on campus since March 9, was based in the science precinct of the university and their case is believed to be travel connected at this time. This individual did everything right: the moment they felt ill, they self-isolated and called 811 to be tested. As a result, they were not on campus while exhibiting symptoms. Communicable disease experts believe the risk of additional transmission was significantly reduced by these actions. Cleaning actions will further reduce transmission risk and we have closed the particular facilities associated with this individual until further notice.

I understand this might raise your level of concern for being on campus.

For students, we will accelerate our transfer of student services to alternate delivery. While we will try to ensure minimal disruptions, I ask that you be patient with us tomorrow as services transition.

For faculty and staff, we will support those of you who make the decision to work from home. If your work requires you to be physically present, we will provide extra training to enhance your safety and increase social distancing measures. We also support any decision made by those of you who are immunocompromised or who live with immunocompromised individuals to stay off campus. Please work with your supervisors on any such plans.

The best defence against COVID-19 continues to be the types of preventive measures available to all of us: wash your hands, avoid handshakes, cough into your arm and stay home when you are sick. COVID-19 will be with our community for the foreseeable future. By taking these measures and looking out for ourselves, we are looking out for each other and helping protect the most vulnerable among us.

The University of Calgary remains open and we will continue to provide services to our community, albeit much of it through remote delivery. We sincerely appreciate your support and patience, and we will continue to keep you up to date on COVID-19 developments on campus.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ed McCauley
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Calgary

With coronavirus on the rise, Health Canada is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.

Jayme TuckerJayme Tucker

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