A Hamilton university student is being tested for a virus which has caused a global panic.
Here is the following statement from McMaster University:
McMaster is continuing to closely follow the global outbreak of COVID-19, also known as 2019 novel coronavirus.
McMaster continues to take precautions while awaiting the results from a student being tested for COVID-19.
Additional information indicates that while the test results were anticipated to be received earlier in the weekend, they may not be available until early in the week. The student had travelled to Italy during the February Reading Week.
The university has decided to be very cautious as the student was on campus once last week before going into self-isolation.
“We are a community and we think now is the time for an abundance of caution,” said Roger Couldrey, McMaster’s vice-president Administration. “We believe this is what our students, their parents and our employees would want us to do.”
The student was on campus Tuesday, February 25th and visited the Burke Science Building. While health officials have said that regular cleaning should suffice, as a precaution, McMaster is undertaking extra cleaning on level one and all public spaces.
“It is important that people have the confidence that the area is clean,” added Couldrey. “We would rather err on the side of caution until we receive confirmation about the student.”
If the student does test positive for the virus, public health officials will be responsible for contacting those who need additional information or other follow up that may need to occur.
Since the COVID-19 virus first emerged, public health has reminded people about the importance of monitoring their health, especially if they have travelled to affected areas. Hand washing is still considered the most effective method to protect yourself and anyone who does feel unwell is asked to stay home.
People are encouraged to continue to monitor the Daily News and the university’s social media channels for future updates.
February 28, 2020
McMaster is in discussions with Public Health officials in response to a student who is in self-isolation after returning from a trip to Italy.
The student is awaiting the results of a test for COVID-19, which are expected in the coming days.
“Although the test results are still pending, we felt it was important to share the information we do have with our community,” says Roger Couldrey, vice-president, Administration. “We don’t want to cause alarm. We do want to reassure the community that we are taking every precaution — even when a case is not confirmed.”
McMaster applauds the student’s proactive response in seeking medical care and following Health Canada and Public Health protocols and in alerting the university on Friday.
The undergraduate student, who lives outside Hamilton, sought medical attention after showing flu-like symptoms after returning from a trip to Europe during reading week in mid-February.
“People need to monitor their health, especially if they have travelled to affected areas,” says Lisa Morine, McMaster’s director of Health, Safety and Risk Management. “We also can’t over-emphasize how important it is that people appropriately wash their hands to help keep themselves healthy. If you are feeling unwell, stay home and take care of yourself.”