[tugs] SARS FAQ
- From: Toronto Undergraduate Geography Society <j.cunha@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: tugsexec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, tugsgeneral@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 16:42:29 -0400
MEMORANDUM
To: PDAD&C
From: Vivek Goel, Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost, Faculty
Date: April 23, 2003
Distribution: Campus Community
Re: SARS FAQ
_____________________________________________________________
We have developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions about SARS, which we
would appreciate your assistance in distributing to the campus community.
The questions are embedded in this e-mail. The Frequently Asked Questions
document is also posted on the U of T SARS information page, which is
accessible from the SARS Update headline at <http://www.utoronto.ca> The
document will be updated and redistributed/posted as necessary. Please make
a printed version of the questions available to those in your unit who do
not have access to a computer.
************************************************
SARS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - APRIL 23, 2003
1. I noticed the signs at the entrances to exam halls. Won't it be too late
for everyone else in the exam if someone is exhibiting symptoms and then
asked to leave? Won't that put everyone in the hall into a 10-day quarantine
and prohibit them from writing other exams and doing other activities?
The point of the notices is to inform people prior to their entering exam
halls. According to public health officials, it is believed the illness is
spread from coughing and sneezing or from direct face-to-face contact with a
person who has symptoms from SARS. All Toronto cases can be traced back to
persons who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the
household or in a health-care setting. Public health officials maintain that
the risk for the general population remains extremely low. Toronto Public
Health is, in fact, being cautious in asking people with ANY of the symptoms
to stay away from exams or gatherings.
People who do feel they have some symptoms and are asked to leave the exam
area should immediately contact public health authorities for further
information and instructions. Sitting near persons who identify themselves
as ill with a single symptom does not automatically mean there is a
quarantine for all people in the hall. That is a determination that would be
made by public health officials only if an individual was identified as
being a probable or suspected case of SARS.
2. How is the university preventing people who may be symptomatic from
entering exam halls?
The university expects students to act in a reasonable and responsible
manner. Notices are being posted at all exam entrances and students and exam
invigilators are encouraged to read the notices prior to the exam. The
notices will also be read before the start of the examination. We expect any
student who is unwell to behave responsibly and leave the premises. They
should then contact public health authorities and their faculty registrar
for further instructions.
3. Are you asking international students now studying at U of T to return
home? If so, what about exams and how will this lost time be made up?
Public health officials have stated that all Toronto SARS cases can be
traced back to people who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS
cases in the household or in a health-care setting. The risk in the general
population remains extremely low. Therefore, international students now
studying at U of T will not be asked to return home. However, all students,
staff and faculty are asked to remain vigilant and follow public health
guidelines to minimize their risk of getting the disease.
4. Does the university have its own phone line set up for students/staff in
regards to SARS (like a Telehealth Ontario)?
All questions related to SARS should be answered by Toronto Public Health or
Telehealth Ontario, who are the best sources of up-to-date information.
Information on the impact of SARS at the university will be updated on the U
of T Web site.
5. What other options are there if students are reluctant to come in and
write an exam due to SARS?
Unless directed by health authorities or unless they are experiencing
symptoms related to SARS, students are expected to write their examinations
at the regularly scheduled date and time.
6. Do you have any suggestions or comments on how front line staff should
handle SARS (i.e. is it necessary to wear masks or put a notice on the front
doors warning people to keep out if they have SARS symptoms)?
Various buildings and offices across the university have posted notices
similar to those at exam entrances asking that people with SARS-related
symptoms not enter the premises. This is simply meant to remind people of
the public health warnings that are being communicated by public health
authorities. People with questions about SARS symptoms are asked to contact
public health offices and the Web site provides these phone numbers. Public
health officials have stated that the use of masks for the general
population is not warranted. As a preventative measure, people are
encouraged to wash their hands on a regular basis to minimize possible
ingestion or transmission of bacteria or viruses. Those working in health
clinics are already taking preventive measures.
7. Our department is organizing a conference next month. Should we cancel
it?
At this time Canadian public health authorities are not advising against
holding public gatherings. It is believed the illness is spread from
coughing and sneezing or from direct face-to-face contact with a person who
has symptoms of SARS. All Toronto cases can be traced back to persons who
have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the household or in
a health-care setting. The Ontario Ministry of Health is advising people to
take reasonable precautions such as washing their hands frequently. Public
health officials maintain that the risk for the general population remains
extremely low.
However, on April 23, the World Health Organization extended its travel
warning to include Toronto. Potential visitors to Toronto should be advised
of the latest WHO warning. Those planning events that involve international
visitors during the next month should consider the impact this will have on
participation in such events. Organizers may wish to consider cancelling or
postponing events if they expect their events to have a significant
representation of international visitors.
8. Our conference includes registrants from other countries. Should we tell
these registrants that they cannot attend?
The World Health Organization has extended its travel warning to include
Toronto and is recommending that travellers postpone all non-essential
travel to Toronto. The US Centers for Disease Control is not presently
advising against travel to Toronto. However, the CDC does recommend that
travellers to Toronto observe precautions to safeguard their health
including avoidance of settings where SARS is most likely to be transmitted,
such as hospitals that are caring for SARS patients.
Potential international visitors to Toronto should be advised of the latest
WHO warning. In light of these new recommendations, organizers may want to
consider cancelling or postponing their event if they expect a large
contingent of visitors from other countries.
For up-to-date information on entry into Canada, please look to the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site
(http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp).
9. What do I do if I've just come back from abroad?
Faculty, staff and students returning to Canada should consult the travel
advisory Web sites for Health Canada
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/sars/index.html) for the
latest up-to-date information.
10. What do I do if I'm planning to go abroad for research or study?
Faculty, staff and students planning to go abroad should consult the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site (
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp ) for up-to-date
information. Health Canada has advised against non-essential travel to
Hanoi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.
11. I think my class/office mate has SARS symptoms. What do I do?
You should speak to your instructor/supervisor who will investigate the
situation in a safe and appropriate manner. People should encourage those
they suspect of being ill to contact public health authorities for
information or instruction.
12. Can I bar someone from my office if I suspect they have SARS symptoms?
Faculty and staff do have the right to refuse entry to their work space if
they suspect a student or colleague has SARS-related symptoms. However,
people should encourage those they suspect of being ill to contact public
health authorities for information or instruction.
13. Is the university taking extra precautions to ensure common areas like
bathrooms are being regularly sanitized?
Facilities and services are maintaining a regular program of cleaning for
all common areas.
14. Is it safe to use the swimming pools, equipment and showers in the
athletic centres?
Yes. There is no case of SARS transmission from the use of swimming pools,
athletic equipment or showers. Thus far, all SARS cases in Toronto can be
traced back to people who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS
cases in the household or in a health-care setting.
15. If someone in my office/building/residence comes down with SARS, how
will I be notified?
The university would handle the notification in cooperation with the
appropriate regional public health authority.
16. If I want a mask, how can I get one from the university?
Public health officials do not feel that masks for the general population
are warranted at this time. The university is only supplying masks to staff
and employees who work in the university's health clinic and are required to
use masks. However, those who wish to purchase their own mask are free to do
so.
17. Isn't the fact that we have faculty, administrative staff and students
who either work in hospitals or come in contact with people from hospitals
putting the rest of the university community at risk?
To minimize the risk of spread, all hospital-based academic programs for
students have been cancelled until further notice. Access to all teaching
hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area has been greatly restricted and
clinicians are not routinely travelling between multiple clinical sites.
Faculty and staff who have affiliations with hospitals are asked to take
proper precautions as set out by public health authorities to minimize the
potential transmission of the virus to the general university community.
The health sciences faculties have taken significant precautions to prevent
transmission among hospitals and between hospitals and the university.
18. Can I telecommute until this SARS situation calms down?
Normal policies regarding telecommuting apply. If you have any SARS-related
symptoms but have not been quarantined by public health authorities, you
should talk to your supervisor to determine if special arrangements should
be made.
19. What about if I decide to quarantine myself but have not been directed
to do so by health authorities? Will I still be paid?
Individuals who enter quarantine must notify public health authorities.
Anyone who is quarantined by public health authorities will be eligible for
sick leave where applicable. Other situations should be discussed with your
supervisor and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as with any other
illness. Where SARS-related symptoms result in an absence from work, the
university will be as accommodating as possible.
20. Is the university still planning to have summer academic programs and
mini-U of T camps?
Based on current public health advice, there are no grounds for changes to
university activities such as classes, examinations, symposia or other
gatherings. Information regarding SARS is changing rapidly, any decisions to
cancel summer activities will be made as new public directions are provided.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Delaney, Assistant Director, Student Affairs
Office of the Vice President & Provost - University of Toronto
214 College Street, Room 307, Toronto, ON M5T 2Z9
Phone 416-978-4027 / Fax 416-971-2037 / Cell 416-561-3774
Work <mailto:jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxxx> / <http://www.sa.utoronto.ca>
Personal <mailto:jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxx> / <http://delaney.sa.utoronto.ca>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
=============================================
******** *** *** ******** ******
** *** *** ** **
** *** *** ** ****
** *** *** ** **** **
** *** *** ** ** ***
** ********* ******** ******
Toronto Undergraduate Geography Society
Sidney Smith (Rm613)
416-978-2057
Note: forwarded message attached.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.
Note: forwarded message attached.
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.
--- Begin Message ---
- From: Jim Delaney <jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: RCG-022003 <jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxxx>,SS-022003 <jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 14:11:45 -0400
Forwarded to Recognized Campus Groups and Student Societies.
Please redistribute.
MEMORANDUM
To: PDAD&C
From: Vivek Goel, Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost, Faculty
Date: April 23, 2003
Distribution: Campus Community
Re: SARS FAQ
_____________________________________________________________
We have developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions about SARS, which we
would appreciate your assistance in distributing to the campus community.
The questions are embedded in this e-mail. The Frequently Asked Questions
document is also posted on the U of T SARS information page, which is
accessible from the SARS Update headline at <http://www.utoronto.ca> The
document will be updated and redistributed/posted as necessary. Please make
a printed version of the questions available to those in your unit who do
not have access to a computer.
************************************************
SARS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - APRIL 23, 2003
1. I noticed the signs at the entrances to exam halls. Won't it be too late
for everyone else in the exam if someone is exhibiting symptoms and then
asked to leave? Won't that put everyone in the hall into a 10-day quarantine
and prohibit them from writing other exams and doing other activities?
The point of the notices is to inform people prior to their entering exam
halls. According to public health officials, it is believed the illness is
spread from coughing and sneezing or from direct face-to-face contact with a
person who has symptoms from SARS. All Toronto cases can be traced back to
persons who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the
household or in a health-care setting. Public health officials maintain that
the risk for the general population remains extremely low. Toronto Public
Health is, in fact, being cautious in asking people with ANY of the symptoms
to stay away from exams or gatherings.
People who do feel they have some symptoms and are asked to leave the exam
area should immediately contact public health authorities for further
information and instructions. Sitting near persons who identify themselves
as ill with a single symptom does not automatically mean there is a
quarantine for all people in the hall. That is a determination that would be
made by public health officials only if an individual was identified as
being a probable or suspected case of SARS.
2. How is the university preventing people who may be symptomatic from
entering exam halls?
The university expects students to act in a reasonable and responsible
manner. Notices are being posted at all exam entrances and students and exam
invigilators are encouraged to read the notices prior to the exam. The
notices will also be read before the start of the examination. We expect any
student who is unwell to behave responsibly and leave the premises. They
should then contact public health authorities and their faculty registrar
for further instructions.
3. Are you asking international students now studying at U of T to return
home? If so, what about exams and how will this lost time be made up?
Public health officials have stated that all Toronto SARS cases can be
traced back to people who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS
cases in the household or in a health-care setting. The risk in the general
population remains extremely low. Therefore, international students now
studying at U of T will not be asked to return home. However, all students,
staff and faculty are asked to remain vigilant and follow public health
guidelines to minimize their risk of getting the disease.
4. Does the university have its own phone line set up for students/staff in
regards to SARS (like a Telehealth Ontario)?
All questions related to SARS should be answered by Toronto Public Health or
Telehealth Ontario, who are the best sources of up-to-date information.
Information on the impact of SARS at the university will be updated on the U
of T Web site.
5. What other options are there if students are reluctant to come in and
write an exam due to SARS?
Unless directed by health authorities or unless they are experiencing
symptoms related to SARS, students are expected to write their examinations
at the regularly scheduled date and time.
6. Do you have any suggestions or comments on how front line staff should
handle SARS (i.e. is it necessary to wear masks or put a notice on the front
doors warning people to keep out if they have SARS symptoms)?
Various buildings and offices across the university have posted notices
similar to those at exam entrances asking that people with SARS-related
symptoms not enter the premises. This is simply meant to remind people of
the public health warnings that are being communicated by public health
authorities. People with questions about SARS symptoms are asked to contact
public health offices and the Web site provides these phone numbers. Public
health officials have stated that the use of masks for the general
population is not warranted. As a preventative measure, people are
encouraged to wash their hands on a regular basis to minimize possible
ingestion or transmission of bacteria or viruses. Those working in health
clinics are already taking preventive measures.
7. Our department is organizing a conference next month. Should we cancel
it?
At this time Canadian public health authorities are not advising against
holding public gatherings. It is believed the illness is spread from
coughing and sneezing or from direct face-to-face contact with a person who
has symptoms of SARS. All Toronto cases can be traced back to persons who
have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the household or in
a health-care setting. The Ontario Ministry of Health is advising people to
take reasonable precautions such as washing their hands frequently. Public
health officials maintain that the risk for the general population remains
extremely low.
However, on April 23, the World Health Organization extended its travel
warning to include Toronto. Potential visitors to Toronto should be advised
of the latest WHO warning. Those planning events that involve international
visitors during the next month should consider the impact this will have on
participation in such events. Organizers may wish to consider cancelling or
postponing events if they expect their events to have a significant
representation of international visitors.
8. Our conference includes registrants from other countries. Should we tell
these registrants that they cannot attend?
The World Health Organization has extended its travel warning to include
Toronto and is recommending that travellers postpone all non-essential
travel to Toronto. The US Centers for Disease Control is not presently
advising against travel to Toronto. However, the CDC does recommend that
travellers to Toronto observe precautions to safeguard their health
including avoidance of settings where SARS is most likely to be transmitted,
such as hospitals that are caring for SARS patients.
Potential international visitors to Toronto should be advised of the latest
WHO warning. In light of these new recommendations, organizers may want to
consider cancelling or postponing their event if they expect a large
contingent of visitors from other countries.
For up-to-date information on entry into Canada, please look to the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site
(http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp).
9. What do I do if I've just come back from abroad?
Faculty, staff and students returning to Canada should consult the travel
advisory Web sites for Health Canada
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/sars/index.html) for the
latest up-to-date information.
10. What do I do if I'm planning to go abroad for research or study?
Faculty, staff and students planning to go abroad should consult the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site (
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp ) for up-to-date
information. Health Canada has advised against non-essential travel to
Hanoi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.
11. I think my class/office mate has SARS symptoms. What do I do?
You should speak to your instructor/supervisor who will investigate the
situation in a safe and appropriate manner. People should encourage those
they suspect of being ill to contact public health authorities for
information or instruction.
12. Can I bar someone from my office if I suspect they have SARS symptoms?
Faculty and staff do have the right to refuse entry to their work space if
they suspect a student or colleague has SARS-related symptoms. However,
people should encourage those they suspect of being ill to contact public
health authorities for information or instruction.
13. Is the university taking extra precautions to ensure common areas like
bathrooms are being regularly sanitized?
Facilities and services are maintaining a regular program of cleaning for
all common areas.
14. Is it safe to use the swimming pools, equipment and showers in the
athletic centres?
Yes. There is no case of SARS transmission from the use of swimming pools,
athletic equipment or showers. Thus far, all SARS cases in Toronto can be
traced back to people who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS
cases in the household or in a health-care setting.
15. If someone in my office/building/residence comes down with SARS, how
will I be notified?
The university would handle the notification in cooperation with the
appropriate regional public health authority.
16. If I want a mask, how can I get one from the university?
Public health officials do not feel that masks for the general population
are warranted at this time. The university is only supplying masks to staff
and employees who work in the university's health clinic and are required to
use masks. However, those who wish to purchase their own mask are free to do
so.
17. Isn't the fact that we have faculty, administrative staff and students
who either work in hospitals or come in contact with people from hospitals
putting the rest of the university community at risk?
To minimize the risk of spread, all hospital-based academic programs for
students have been cancelled until further notice. Access to all teaching
hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area has been greatly restricted and
clinicians are not routinely travelling between multiple clinical sites.
Faculty and staff who have affiliations with hospitals are asked to take
proper precautions as set out by public health authorities to minimize the
potential transmission of the virus to the general university community.
The health sciences faculties have taken significant precautions to prevent
transmission among hospitals and between hospitals and the university.
18. Can I telecommute until this SARS situation calms down?
Normal policies regarding telecommuting apply. If you have any SARS-related
symptoms but have not been quarantined by public health authorities, you
should talk to your supervisor to determine if special arrangements should
be made.
19. What about if I decide to quarantine myself but have not been directed
to do so by health authorities? Will I still be paid?
Individuals who enter quarantine must notify public health authorities.
Anyone who is quarantined by public health authorities will be eligible for
sick leave where applicable. Other situations should be discussed with your
supervisor and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as with any other
illness. Where SARS-related symptoms result in an absence from work, the
university will be as accommodating as possible.
20. Is the university still planning to have summer academic programs and
mini-U of T camps?
Based on current public health advice, there are no grounds for changes to
university activities such as classes, examinations, symposia or other
gatherings. Information regarding SARS is changing rapidly, any decisions to
cancel summer activities will be made as new public directions are provided.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Delaney, Assistant Director, Student Affairs
Office of the Vice President & Provost - University of Toronto
214 College Street, Room 307, Toronto, ON M5T 2Z9
Phone 416-978-4027 / Fax 416-971-2037 / Cell 416-561-3774
Work <mailto:jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxxx> / <http://www.sa.utoronto.ca>
Personal <mailto:jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxx> / <http://delaney.sa.utoronto.ca>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--- End Message ---
Forwarded to Recognized Campus Groups and Student Societies.
Please redistribute.
MEMORANDUM
To: PDAD&C
From: Vivek Goel, Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost, Faculty
Date: April 23, 2003
Distribution: Campus Community
Re: SARS FAQ
_____________________________________________________________
We have developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions about SARS, which we
would appreciate your assistance in distributing to the campus community.
The questions are embedded in this e-mail. The Frequently Asked Questions
document is also posted on the U of T SARS information page, which is
accessible from the SARS Update headline at <http://www.utoronto.ca> The
document will be updated and redistributed/posted as necessary. Please make
a printed version of the questions available to those in your unit who do
not have access to a computer.
************************************************
SARS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - APRIL 23, 2003
1. I noticed the signs at the entrances to exam halls. Won't it be too late
for everyone else in the exam if someone is exhibiting symptoms and then
asked to leave? Won't that put everyone in the hall into a 10-day quarantine
and prohibit them from writing other exams and doing other activities?
The point of the notices is to inform people prior to their entering exam
halls. According to public health officials, it is believed the illness is
spread from coughing and sneezing or from direct face-to-face contact with a
person who has symptoms from SARS. All Toronto cases can be traced back to
persons who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the
household or in a health-care setting. Public health officials maintain that
the risk for the general population remains extremely low. Toronto Public
Health is, in fact, being cautious in asking people with ANY of the symptoms
to stay away from exams or gatherings.
People who do feel they have some symptoms and are asked to leave the exam
area should immediately contact public health authorities for further
information and instructions. Sitting near persons who identify themselves
as ill with a single symptom does not automatically mean there is a
quarantine for all people in the hall. That is a determination that would be
made by public health officials only if an individual was identified as
being a probable or suspected case of SARS.
2. How is the university preventing people who may be symptomatic from
entering exam halls?
The university expects students to act in a reasonable and responsible
manner. Notices are being posted at all exam entrances and students and exam
invigilators are encouraged to read the notices prior to the exam. The
notices will also be read before the start of the examination. We expect any
student who is unwell to behave responsibly and leave the premises. They
should then contact public health authorities and their faculty registrar
for further instructions.
3. Are you asking international students now studying at U of T to return
home? If so, what about exams and how will this lost time be made up?
Public health officials have stated that all Toronto SARS cases can be
traced back to people who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS
cases in the household or in a health-care setting. The risk in the general
population remains extremely low. Therefore, international students now
studying at U of T will not be asked to return home. However, all students,
staff and faculty are asked to remain vigilant and follow public health
guidelines to minimize their risk of getting the disease.
4. Does the university have its own phone line set up for students/staff in
regards to SARS (like a Telehealth Ontario)?
All questions related to SARS should be answered by Toronto Public Health or
Telehealth Ontario, who are the best sources of up-to-date information.
Information on the impact of SARS at the university will be updated on the U
of T Web site.
5. What other options are there if students are reluctant to come in and
write an exam due to SARS?
Unless directed by health authorities or unless they are experiencing
symptoms related to SARS, students are expected to write their examinations
at the regularly scheduled date and time.
6. Do you have any suggestions or comments on how front line staff should
handle SARS (i.e. is it necessary to wear masks or put a notice on the front
doors warning people to keep out if they have SARS symptoms)?
Various buildings and offices across the university have posted notices
similar to those at exam entrances asking that people with SARS-related
symptoms not enter the premises. This is simply meant to remind people of
the public health warnings that are being communicated by public health
authorities. People with questions about SARS symptoms are asked to contact
public health offices and the Web site provides these phone numbers. Public
health officials have stated that the use of masks for the general
population is not warranted. As a preventative measure, people are
encouraged to wash their hands on a regular basis to minimize possible
ingestion or transmission of bacteria or viruses. Those working in health
clinics are already taking preventive measures.
7. Our department is organizing a conference next month. Should we cancel
it?
At this time Canadian public health authorities are not advising against
holding public gatherings. It is believed the illness is spread from
coughing and sneezing or from direct face-to-face contact with a person who
has symptoms of SARS. All Toronto cases can be traced back to persons who
have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS cases in the household or in
a health-care setting. The Ontario Ministry of Health is advising people to
take reasonable precautions such as washing their hands frequently. Public
health officials maintain that the risk for the general population remains
extremely low.
However, on April 23, the World Health Organization extended its travel
warning to include Toronto. Potential visitors to Toronto should be advised
of the latest WHO warning. Those planning events that involve international
visitors during the next month should consider the impact this will have on
participation in such events. Organizers may wish to consider cancelling or
postponing events if they expect their events to have a significant
representation of international visitors.
8. Our conference includes registrants from other countries. Should we tell
these registrants that they cannot attend?
The World Health Organization has extended its travel warning to include
Toronto and is recommending that travellers postpone all non-essential
travel to Toronto. The US Centers for Disease Control is not presently
advising against travel to Toronto. However, the CDC does recommend that
travellers to Toronto observe precautions to safeguard their health
including avoidance of settings where SARS is most likely to be transmitted,
such as hospitals that are caring for SARS patients.
Potential international visitors to Toronto should be advised of the latest
WHO warning. In light of these new recommendations, organizers may want to
consider cancelling or postponing their event if they expect a large
contingent of visitors from other countries.
For up-to-date information on entry into Canada, please look to the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site
(http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp).
9. What do I do if I've just come back from abroad?
Faculty, staff and students returning to Canada should consult the travel
advisory Web sites for Health Canada
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/sars/index.html) for the
latest up-to-date information.
10. What do I do if I'm planning to go abroad for research or study?
Faculty, staff and students planning to go abroad should consult the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site (
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp ) for up-to-date
information. Health Canada has advised against non-essential travel to
Hanoi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.
11. I think my class/office mate has SARS symptoms. What do I do?
You should speak to your instructor/supervisor who will investigate the
situation in a safe and appropriate manner. People should encourage those
they suspect of being ill to contact public health authorities for
information or instruction.
12. Can I bar someone from my office if I suspect they have SARS symptoms?
Faculty and staff do have the right to refuse entry to their work space if
they suspect a student or colleague has SARS-related symptoms. However,
people should encourage those they suspect of being ill to contact public
health authorities for information or instruction.
13. Is the university taking extra precautions to ensure common areas like
bathrooms are being regularly sanitized?
Facilities and services are maintaining a regular program of cleaning for
all common areas.
14. Is it safe to use the swimming pools, equipment and showers in the
athletic centres?
Yes. There is no case of SARS transmission from the use of swimming pools,
athletic equipment or showers. Thus far, all SARS cases in Toronto can be
traced back to people who have travelled to Asia or had contact with SARS
cases in the household or in a health-care setting.
15. If someone in my office/building/residence comes down with SARS, how
will I be notified?
The university would handle the notification in cooperation with the
appropriate regional public health authority.
16. If I want a mask, how can I get one from the university?
Public health officials do not feel that masks for the general population
are warranted at this time. The university is only supplying masks to staff
and employees who work in the university's health clinic and are required to
use masks. However, those who wish to purchase their own mask are free to do
so.
17. Isn't the fact that we have faculty, administrative staff and students
who either work in hospitals or come in contact with people from hospitals
putting the rest of the university community at risk?
To minimize the risk of spread, all hospital-based academic programs for
students have been cancelled until further notice. Access to all teaching
hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area has been greatly restricted and
clinicians are not routinely travelling between multiple clinical sites.
Faculty and staff who have affiliations with hospitals are asked to take
proper precautions as set out by public health authorities to minimize the
potential transmission of the virus to the general university community.
The health sciences faculties have taken significant precautions to prevent
transmission among hospitals and between hospitals and the university.
18. Can I telecommute until this SARS situation calms down?
Normal policies regarding telecommuting apply. If you have any SARS-related
symptoms but have not been quarantined by public health authorities, you
should talk to your supervisor to determine if special arrangements should
be made.
19. What about if I decide to quarantine myself but have not been directed
to do so by health authorities? Will I still be paid?
Individuals who enter quarantine must notify public health authorities.
Anyone who is quarantined by public health authorities will be eligible for
sick leave where applicable. Other situations should be discussed with your
supervisor and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as with any other
illness. Where SARS-related symptoms result in an absence from work, the
university will be as accommodating as possible.
20. Is the university still planning to have summer academic programs and
mini-U of T camps?
Based on current public health advice, there are no grounds for changes to
university activities such as classes, examinations, symposia or other
gatherings. Information regarding SARS is changing rapidly, any decisions to
cancel summer activities will be made as new public directions are provided.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Delaney, Assistant Director, Student Affairs
Office of the Vice President & Provost - University of Toronto
214 College Street, Room 307, Toronto, ON M5T 2Z9
Phone 416-978-4027 / Fax 416-971-2037 / Cell 416-561-3774
Work <mailto:jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxxx> / <http://www.sa.utoronto.ca>
Personal <mailto:jim.delaney@xxxxxxxxxx> / <http://delaney.sa.utoronto.ca>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other related posts:
