Message from the President Regarding Coronavirus

Posted on Tuesday, January 28th, 2020

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

We know that many of you have been following news about the novel coronavirus that originated in China and has been particularly devastating in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk as “low for Canada and Canadian travelers.” Only those people who become ill within 14 days of having visited Wuhan or who have been in close contact with someone who has a respiratory illness who has been to Wuhan within 14 days prior to the onset of their illness are considered at risk for the coronavirus.

Health Canada, Public Health Ontario, and Ottawa Public Health continue to monitor this evolving situation. We will be following guidelines issued by these organizations and watching for any developments that could affect our college community.

For now, Canadians are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the province of Hubei, China (including the cities of Wuhan, Huanggang and Ezhou), due to the heavy travel restrictions in place there and Canadians should check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories for China before they travel. We advise all our employees and learners to register with the “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service online before travelling. If you are not a Canadian, you may wish to contact your country’s nearest consular office to determine if it has a similar registration program in place.

Ottawa Public Health also recommends the following guidelines to reduce the spread of illnesses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hand
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
  • Get your flu shot

Employees and learners who are concerned about their health or symptoms should contact their health-care provider or our College’s Health Services. Students who have related concerns can contact Student Counselling Services, and employees should feel free to contact our Employee Assistance Program.

We will update you again should new and important information become available. Until then, you may wish to refer to the following sites for additional details:

 

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO


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