Nipissing University Update on Coronavirus

Confirmation of the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Toronto is raising concerns and questions among members of the Nipissing University community. Health officials continue to advise that the risk of contracting the virus remains low. Nipissing University is carefully monitoring the situation. We will continue to keep our community informed of new developments through the Nipissing University website and urge those seeking information to consult trusted sources such as Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Should you experience these symptoms AND have recently travelled internationally to an affected region, avoid contact with others and contact your health-care professional or nearest hospital.

In an effort to keep our campus community informed, please see below for Frequently Asked Questions. Should the situation change, we will continue to provide updates on this website.

1. What is the Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that originate in animals but are known to cause respiratory illness in humans, particularly during the fall and winter months. Other novel coronaviruses have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).

In January, 2020, a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia originating in Wuhan. The latest statistics for Ontario are available at: ontario.ca/coronavirus.

2. What is the risk?

Public Health Ontario advises that the risk to Ontarians is still considered low as of Jan. 26, 2020. The situation is rapidly evolving and the University is taking its guidance from public health agencies at the local, provincial and federal level, who are closely monitoring the outbreak, conducting surveillance and appropriate laboratory testing, and providing public health and infection control guidance.

To date, cases have been reported in individuals who have been in Wuhan, China, and those who have had personal contact with infected individuals. The risk of more severe illness may be higher for individuals with weakened immune systems such as older people or chronic diseases such as diabetes, or heart, renal or chronic lung disease.

3. What are the symptoms of novel Coronavirus?

Symptoms range from common to severe respiratory illnesses and include:

fever

cough

difficulty breathing

Many of these symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza. Should you experience these symptoms AND have recently travelled internationally, avoid contact with others and follow-up with your health care professional. Advise your health professional in advance of attending clinic of your symptoms and travel history.

4. What can I do to protect myself?

As usual, continue to practise good hand washing techniques and hygiene practices. This includes washing thoroughly with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and staying at home or in your residence room if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

5. Should students, staff or faculty with flu-like symptoms attend class/work?

As usual, those with severe symptoms should stay at home or in their residence room. Students should continue to report illness as they usually do. Students in residence should inform residence staff. For staff, please report your absence promptly to your supervisor per normal practice.

6. I live in residence and think I may have flu-like symptoms. What should I do?

If you experience symptoms while living in residence, please phone your respective residence front desk, who will inform the AVP, Students and Residence Office. As it is also influenza season, you may want to purchase the following items to keep on hand as a precautionary measure:

Over-the-counter medication to reduce aches and fever (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Cough medicine and throat lozenges

Any prescription medicines you take

A thermometer (non-mercury)

Tissues

Hand sanitizer (should contain at least 60% alcohol)

Disinfecting wipes or cleaning products to clean your shared and personal space

A water canteen or bottled water, and juice

7. Should students, staff or faculty with flu-like symptoms be excluded from class/work?

No one should be excluded or banned from attending classes or work. Students, staff and faculty with flu-like symptoms are encouraged to stay home, but some may choose to attend classes and work. At this time, the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus is low.

8. Should anyone with a travel history to an affected region be excluded from class/work?

Students, staff and faculty with symptoms who have visited the affected region recently should contact their health care provider or visit the nearest emergency room. At this time, the risk of contracting novel coronavirus is low.

9. Will classes be cancelled?

At this time classes will continue as scheduled. We will continue to keep our campus community informed if anything changes.

10. Should we be canceling events?

At this time, there is no significant risk of community transmission of the novel coronavirus in Canada. Should the situation change, we will provide advice on this website.

11. Should I wear a mask?

Generally, a mask is not required at this time, although some may choose to wear one. Surgical masks, such as those sold in pharmacies, have limited value. Those in health care settings will follow the requirements of their facilities with respect to appropriate protective gear if they are working with suspected or confirmed cases.

12. I am planning to travel in the coming days. What should I do?

Students travelling internationally should refer to the International Initiatives Office within Student Development and Services at myinternational@nipissingu.ca or 705-474-3450 ext. 4321. Staff and faculty may refer to the Government of Canada’s travel advisory website travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. As of January 27, 2020, the advice for China is to avoid non-essential travel to the province of Hubei.

Important Contact Numbers:

Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nipissing University Campus Health Centre: 705-474-7600 ext. 5261

Room: B205