This update is provided for archival purposes only.

Public Health guidance and University of Waterloo operations may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 frequently asked questions.

Coronavirus update

Monday, January 27, 2020

This message was originally sent to the University of Waterloo community from Sanda Banks, vice-president, University Relations.

In January 2020, a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia originating in Wuhan, China. The situation is rapidly evolving and Campus Wellness, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, Public Health Ontario, along with the Ministry of Health, is closely monitoring the outbreak.

The risk to Ontarians is still considered low.

The University has a pandemic plan as part of its emergency response plan. Stakeholders from across campus are already meeting to monitor and respond to the current situation and we will continue to issue communication to keep the campus community aware of the latest developments.

Coronavirus symptoms and prevention

Symptoms of 2019-nCoV include fever, a dry cough within two to seven days of infection, mild difficulty breathing, body aches, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.

As a precaution, UWaterloo Health Services has updated its triage protocols in the campus Health Services. As a result, Health Services staff will ask patients about recent travel and respiratory symptoms upon entering the health centre and may be asked to wear a face mask depending on their answers. Health Services has also advised patients and campus through its website to take sanitary precautions.

Precautions include:

  • covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  • frequent washing of hands
  • avoid contacting with others who are sick
  • avoid touching your face.

Actions managers and instructors can take

You can share this message with your team and students and reassure them that, according to the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada that the risk to Canada and Canadian travelers is currently considered low.

The University will provide updates on the Campus Wellness website. The University’s official Twitter account and the Daily Bulletin will also share messaging. We also recommend that you download the WatSAFE app on your device and the WatSAFE Desktop Notification tool on your desktop/laptop to receive emergency messages. Visit the WatSAFE website for more details.

University officials will continue to monitor Global Affairs Canada travel advisories and will be in contact with public health officials as this situation continues to unfold. We encourage anyone travelling to or from China to visit the federal source of destination-specific travel information that provides important advice to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely while abroad. You can also register all international travel with the Safety Abroad Team at safetyabroad@uwaterloo.ca to access travel safety information, emergency assistance and access to various services provided by Anvil Group.

If you have questions or concerns, please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca and our teams will help to find the right campus contact. If you feel unwell, please contact your family doctor or call 519-888-4096 or visit us at the Health Services building to book an appointment.