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March 13 COVID-19 update for the CMU community

Friday, March 13, 2020 @ 6:02 PM  •  News Releases

March 13 COVID-19 update for the CMU community

CMU is collaborating closely with public health officials and other Canadian universities to respond to the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Canada.

Working in collaboration with the University's Emergency Operations Committee, CMU administration is taking measures to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the CMU community. 

CMU is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

FOR STUDENTS
Due to the pandemic developments in Manitoba, CMU requests all students living on campus with options for alternate weekend living arrangements relocate until further notice. Students should pack study materials and required personal items. Further notice will be provided no later than Tuesday, March 17.

On-campus living arrangements for international students and other students unable to relocate will be adjusted. CMU will seek to provide individual apartment living to promote social distancing, should they not be able to find alternate living arrangements. Such students need to call Residence Director, Charlie Peronto (204.330.8303) by 8:00 PM, Friday March 13.

  • If you feel unwell, and have a fever stay at home until you have recovered. Students are requested to inform Stephanie Penner, Registrar, for course accommodations. Students living on-campus, should also inform Charlie Peronto, Residence Director.
  • If you are a student who has been exposed and need to self-isolate, inform Stephanie Penner, Registrar, for course accommodations. Students living on-campus, should also inform Charlie Peronto, Residence Director.

SCHEDULED CLASSES
Per the message from President Cheryl Pauls earlier today, in-person classes and labs will not meet on March 16 and 17. Alternate plans for the completion of the academic term will be announced on Tuesday, March 17.

EVENTS AT CMU
All CMU-planned public events located on the CMU's Shaftesbury and Menno Simons College campuses are cancelled between now and April 15. Events beyond this date will be evaluated as the situation evolves.

CMU BUILDINGS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
At this time CMU buildings are closed to the general public. All buildings, however, will remain open to tenants to operate their business as they see fit. Marpeck Commons and the north side (500 Shaftesbury Blvd.) will be accessible by proximity card.

CMU INTERNATIONAL STUDY PROGRAMS
All CMU students and faculty in international locations are in the process of returning to Canada.

Additional recommendations for all members of the CMU community

  • Practice social distancing. Reduce the chances of exposure or transmission of the virus between people by:
    • minimizing prolonged (more than 10 minutes), close (less than two metres) contact between other individuals in public;
    • avoiding greetings that involve touching, such as handshakes;
    • disinfecting frequently used surfaces;
    • following public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you have travelled or have been exposed to someone ill with the virus; and
    • considering avoiding travel, crowded places and events, especially if you are at higher risk.
  • Practice good hygiene
    • Cough etiquette cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when you cough or sneeze; immediately discard the tissue and wash your hands.
    • Wash your hands regularly, with soap for at least 20 seconds, pay attention to fingertips and between your fingers.
    • Make use of the hand sanitizer stations around campus.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Be aware that personal workstations, keyboards, phones and cellphones should be cleaned regularly to limit the spread of germs.
  • Avoid unnecessary personal contact. Eg. Consider waves in lieu of handshakes or high fives.
  • If you feel unwell, and have a fever stay at home until you have recovered. Students are requested to inform Stephanie Penner, Registrar, for course accommodations. Students living on-campus, should also inform Charlie Peronto, Residence Director.
  • If you are a student who has been exposed and need to self-isolate, inform Stephanie Penner, Registrar, for course accommodations. Students living on-campus, should also inform Charlie Peronto, Residence Director.
  • If you are ill and have recently traveled to an affected area, or if you are ill and have been in close contact (within 2 meters/ 6ft) with an ill person connected to the current outbreak:
    • Domestic students should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 (have your Manitoba Health card ready) for advice on where to go to be assessed.
    • International students should call Mobile Doctor through Guard.me Insurance.
  • Postpone non-essential travel. If you do need to travel, purchase cancellation insurance.

For the latest information from trusted sources, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Manitoba Government's coronavirus websites. Please refer to the following sites for additional information on how to protect yourself, symptoms, and current travel advice.

Again, CMU is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, coronavirus

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