As the novel coronavirus spreads across the globe, the University of Windsor is stepping up its precaution efforts.
In a news release issued Monday evening, the university announced it had put together a pandemic planning committee. This group will review steps taken, consider the next steps for the University to protect further the health and safety of students, staff, faculty and visitors, as well as develop emergency preparedness strategies.
The university is working closely with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit which, as of Tuesday morning, has not reported any confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has reiterated that the risk of getting it is still low.
Windsor Regional Hospital, which is also working with the university, issued a statement on Friday that may pertain to members of the university community.
"Effective today [March 5], with or without any symptoms, all staff who return from travel outside of Canada to the following countries [China, Iran, Northern Italy, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore] must talk to and obtain clearance from an Employee Health Nurse prior to return to the Windsor Regional Hospital," the statement said.
Students with concerns about their health are asked to make an appointment at the Student Health, Counselling and Wellness Services on the second floor of the CAW Student Centre. Students may also visit their primary care physicians or a walk-in clinic with questions.
U of W has compiled a list of frequently asked questions on the coronavirus, which is available on its official website.