Coronavirus update: case confirmed in Waterloo Region

This message was originally sent to employees by Sandra Banks, vice-president, University Relations.

I’d like to make you aware of recent updates on the COVID-19 situation in Waterloo Region:

• Public Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region is a female in her 50’s from Kitchener. Grand River Hospital and Region of Waterloo Public Health are taking all necessary precautions to avoid the spread of the virus. 
• The risk to our region and Canada still remains low.
• Passengers aboard the same flights as the infected woman are being asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days. The woman traveled on a flight from Milan to Lisbon (Flight 827: Air Portugal) and then Lisbon to Toronto (Flight 259: Air Portugal) on March 3, 2020.

If you were aboard the flights or recently returned from travel and feel unwell, please contact Karen Parkinson at Occupational Health at 519-888-4567 extension 30338.

To avoid a range of potential illnesses, please continue to take these steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces, like your laptop or mobile phone.

We are monitoring and responding to the current situation. We are following plans and protocols already in place to prevent the spread of infectious disease on our campus. We will continue to provide updates to campus around the latest developments.