Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Q and A with the experts: an update on what we know about the virus

The University of Waterloo has a number of experts available for comment on various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What we know about COVID-19 seems to change daily.  

We asked Professor Narveen Jandu, an expert in microbiology, to give us an update on the science of the virus.

What is our current understanding of how the virus spreads?

The transmission of COVID-19 is predominantly spread through respiratory droplets from infected individuals and can be referred to as person-to-person transmission. This type of transmission is predominantly from direct contact with respiratory droplets from infected individuals during coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or singing in close proximity others. 

There are concerns about aerosol transmission, but in most situations, this type of transmission has taken place in crowded settings. Originally, there were concerns that fomite transmission (contracting the virus from inanimate objects contaminated with the virus) was a potential way in which the virus was spreading in the community, but it appears that most cases of infection are from exposure to the respiratory droplets of infected individuals. 

What are the symptoms of COIVD-19 and what fraction of people who have it do not show symptoms?

Most individuals that are infected will experience generic symptoms that are mild or moderate. COVID-19 infection often appears as a fever, dry cough and/or body aches, pains, general malaise and tiredness, and in some cases, there is a loss of smell or taste. Individuals will experience varying combinations of these symptoms. The duration and severity will also vary from person-to-person, as this depends on the age of the individual, the underlying health of the individual and viral load (how much of the virus has entered an individual’s system). Most cases of infection (80 percent) will be mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic. The remaining 15 percent of cases will experience severe symptomology, and 5 percent will become critical. 

What is the damage that can be caused to the body by the virus?

In the small percentage of cases in which symptoms are more robust, severe and/or critical, viral replication and physiological damage can go beyond the respiratory tract. Typically, and in the majority of cases, coronavirus replicates in the respiratory tract, which results in the most common symptoms (outlined above). Within the respiratory tract, some individuals may develop pneumonia. In the most severe cases of infection, the virus can cause pathology in other body systems, most notably the cardiovascular system, kidneys and/or the gastrointestinal system. 

Narveen Jandu is an associate professor in the School of Public Health and Health Systems. Her research interests include studying the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of communicable bacterial infectious diseases. 

Protect yourself and others with masks, hygiene etiquette while on campus

With fall term resuming this week, remember that a face covering is required in  common use areas of  University buildings. This includes corridors, lobbies, washrooms, elevators, classrooms, teaching laboratories and meeting rooms, or in any area where physical distancing is a challenge. 

A face covering can be a medical or non-medical mask or other covering that covers the nose, mouth and chin.  You can bring your own mask to campus or purchase a cloth mask at the W Store. Additional protective equipment may be needed in specific lab or work settings. Find the latest guidelines for researchers and employees.

Researchers, managers and supervisors are reminded that if you are or have employees who are currently working on campus, you should place an order for face masks immediately. You can order cloth face masks from Central Stores. Learn more about ordering face masks.

Learn more about face coverings on campus.

If you are working from home, please continue to do so until you receive further direction from your manager or supervisor. Students and employees who are visiting campus should consider the following:

WatSAFE and Campus Check-In

WatSAFE is the University's official emergency notification tool, providing quick and convenient access to campus safety and emergency resources.

Download the WatSAFE app to stay connected and informed. A COVID-19 self-assessment feature has been added to the app.

If you have not recently opened the app you may need to accept an update before seeing the self-assessment button.

Effective Tuesday, September 8, if you need to be on campus, you must record every visit to campus buildings using Campus Check-In. There's no app to download or install, and you can choose to log your attendance in campus buildings by connecting your mobile device or laptop to the eduroam network, or by logging key details about your campus visit using the online Campus Check-In form.

Hand hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water. When soap and running water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Learn more about proper hand hygiene.

Respiratory etiquette

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze and immediately discard the tissue. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately. Learn more about proper respiratory etiquette.

Physical distancing

When on campus, practice physical distancing by keeping a distance of 2 metres away from others. Wear a face covering in common indoor spaces. The University has installed signs around campus to remind you how to maintain a safe physical distance. Staircases and corridors now feature arrows to direct traffic, and signs indicate the maximum number of people who can be in elevators and washrooms at the same time.

Food Services launches delivery services through its mobile ordering app

A message from UW Food Services.

Move aside, UberEats – there’s a new delivery service on campus. UW Food Services is proud to launch two new dining concepts on their app (UW Food Services) that offer delivery and pick up. Featuring delectable dishes like Poke Bowls, rice bowls, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more, it’s a wide range of offerings that will keep everyone satisfied.  

A family-sized Poke Bowl.

Meals in the Catering Eats app are offered in single portions or 4 portions – enough for the family or lots of leftovers. UC Eats provides lunchtime options for one, and dinner meal boxes that can be taken home for those nights that you just don’t have time to plan.

The best part? UW Food Services isn’t going to get you with those hidden costs – there is no delivery charge, no service fee and no tipping.

The UW Food Services app is available on the App Store and Google Play. It accepts (student) Watcard and credit card. If you try it, UW Food Services invites feedback so we can cater to you.