To the MSVU community:
I am writing further to the current outbreak of Novel Coronavirus in Wuhan, China. I want to assure members of the MSVU community that University leadership is closely monitoring the situation.
There are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in Nova Scotia. While one case has been confirmed in Ontario, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk as low for Canada and for Canadian travelers. Should a specific risk to any individual be identified, Public Health would make direct contact.
Noted Maxine Brewer, Registered Nurse and Health Services Manager at MSVU: “There is no reason for alarm on campus. While we should be vigilant in our monitoring and prevention activities, there is currently no need for any changes in our regular routines.”
As a precaution, students, faculty or staff who have flu symptoms and who have travelled to or from China in the past two weeks should contact the MSVU Health Office or their family physician immediately for guidance. For the MSVU Health Office, telephone 902-457-6354 or email Maxine.Brewer@msvu.ca. Please advise them of your situation before visiting so that your case can be managed appropriately.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- runny nose
- headache
- cough
- sore throat
- fever
- a general feeling of being unwell
Note that coronavirus symptoms usually appear within two weeks. Also, it is flu season in Canada, so it’s likely that someone experiencing these symptoms (who hasn’t returned from Wuhan within the past two weeks) may have the seasonal flu or common cold.
Prevention measures include:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- avoid close contact with people who are sick
It’s also not too late to get a flu shot. Flu shots are still available at the MSVU Health Office. Please call 902-457-6354 to make an appointment to get yours.
For more information:
- NS Department of Health and Wellness
- Health Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada travel recommendations
- World Health Organization
We will provide more information as appropriate.
Thank you.
Julie
Dr. Julie McMullin
Vice-President Academic and Provost
Mount Saint Vincent University