U of C member tests positive for coronavirus

By 660 NEWS Staff

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A member of the University of Calgary community has tested positive for COVID-19.

The U of C says the person, who has not been on campus since March 9 is based in the science precinct and did everything right after becoming sick including self-isolating and calling 8-1-1 to be tested.

The university says the risk of additional transmission was significantly reduced because of these actions.

The U of C says it will now be accelerating its transfer of student services to alternate delivery.

The case is believed to be connected to travel.

The University of Calgary remains open even though in-person classes have been cancelled.

U of C President and Vice-Chancellor releasing this statement on Monday evening:

 

To all members of the University of Calgary community:

This afternoon the University of Calgary was made aware that a member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

This individual, who has not been on campus since March 9, was based in the science precinct of the university and their case is believed to be travel connected at this time. This individual did everything right: the moment they felt ill, they self-isolated and called 811 to be tested. As a result, they were not on campus while exhibiting symptoms. Communicable disease experts believe the risk of additional transmission was significantly reduced by these actions. Cleaning actions will further reduce transmission risk and we have closed the particular facilities associated with this individual until further notice.

I understand this might raise your level of concern for being on campus.

For students, we will accelerate our transfer of student services to alternate delivery. While we will try to ensure minimal disruptions, I ask that you be patient with us tomorrow as services transition.

For faculty and staff, we will support those of you who make the decision to work from home. If your work requires you to be physically present, we will provide extra training to enhance your safety and increase social distancing measures. We also support any decision made by those of you who are immunocompromised or who live with immunocompromised individuals to stay off campus. Please work with your supervisors on any such plans.

The best defence against COVID-19 continues to be the types of preventive measures available to all of us: wash your hands, avoid handshakes, cough into your arm and stay home when you are sick. COVID-19 will be with our community for the foreseeable future. By taking these measures and looking out for ourselves, we are looking out for each other and helping protect the most vulnerable among us.

The University of Calgary remains open and we will continue to provide services to our community, albeit much of it through remote delivery. We sincerely appreciate your support and patience, and we will continue to keep you up to date on COVID-19 developments on campus.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ed McCauley
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Calgary

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