The University of Windsor continues to monitor issues, and respond to concerns, associated with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

At this time, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has reported that there are no cases of COVID-19 in Windsor and Essex County, and the overall risk remains low for local residents and the campus community.

The University remains in close touch with the health unit, which continues to monitor the global outbreak and is working with its health system partners to respond if any cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in Windsor-Essex.

As a result of the spread of COVID-19, and as a precaution, the University has also re-established a pandemic planning committee. This committee will initially review the steps taken to date, consider the next steps for the University to further protect the health and safety of the entire community, and also develop emergency preparedness strategies forward.

Windsor Regional Hospital also released a statement Friday that could affect some members of the campus community:

“Effective today (Friday, March 5), with or without any symptoms, all staff (employees, professional staff ,and volunteers) who return from travel outside of Canada to the following countries (China, Iran, Northern Italy, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore) must talk to and obtain clearance from an Employee Health Nurse prior to return to the Windsor Regional Hospital.”

The University has made answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on COVID-19 available to the campus community. See question #5 in the FAQ document to learn about the various actions the University is taking to address this issue.

Students, staff, or faculty may also consult the Ontario government webpage — www.ontario.ca/coronavirus — for further information on symptoms, prevention, and travel-health advice.

Students with immediate concerns about their health should make an appointment with Student Health, Counselling and Wellness Services, which is located on the second floor of the CAW Student Centre (519-973-7002), or contact their off-campus physicians. Information is also available on the Student Health Services website.

Faculty and staff with health concerns should contact their health-care providers. Links to additional information and resources on COVID-19 can be found at:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
• https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWTszCYPu90

Any further updates on the coronavirus situation will be posted on the University home page.