March 2: Update on COVID‑19 (Novel Coronavirus)

MEMORANDUM
To: The Dalhousie University community
From: Teri Balser, Provost and Vice-President Academic and Ian Nason, Vice-President Finance and Administration
Date: March 2, 2020

Re: Update on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

We understand that increased news around the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing concern for members of our community. We also know that each day there is new information about how Canada’s public health agencies are responding to – and sharing updates about – the outbreak. Today we’re reaching out to ensure that everyone is aware that we are actively monitoring developments and recognize that while this can be a difficult time, we ask that our community support one another and source the latest information about COVID-19 from trusted experts.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to assess the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low in Canada, with the risk to public health reassessed as new information becomes available. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia and the risk remains low at this time.

We’re actively working with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness (Public Health), as well as the Public Health Agency of Canada, to ensure that a comprehensive and integrated response to a potential COVID-19 outbreak is actioned should it be required. We also continue to work with students, staff and faculty who are both abroad and on campus to ensure that support and counsel is available when required.

Updated Travel Advice
On January 30^th the university strongly advised against all travel to China.

Travel warnings vary depending on destination. Currently there are travel health notices for China, Northern Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan. You may want to review that site prior to booking travel or embarking on future trips as the situation is fast evolving and new locations may have been added.

The Public Health Agency asks all travellers to monitor their health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after arrival in Canada. If you have these symptoms, call the public health authority in the province or territory you are in to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do.

The latest information about COVID-19 can be found at dal.ca/coronavirus. Further updates will be shared with our community via our regular communication channels. The safety and well-being of all members of the Dal community remains our highest priority.

Sincerely,

Teri Balser
Ian Nason