COVID-19
(Novel Corona Virus)
COVID-19 Update
As the COVID-19 situation changes around the world, we know you have concerns. We want to assure you that Hanson is taking this situation and your safety seriously. Today, the risk to Hanson students remains low. We recognize that the situation is evolving, and we are committed to providing you with a safe place to study. We hope this information gives you confidence in the actions Hanson is taking on your behalf.
At Hanson, we are taking a number of measures to prepare our campus for the arrival of COVID-19 in our community. They include:
- Weekly updates to faculty, staff, and students.
- Enhanced cleaning at all our campuses, with particular focus on high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces.
- Cancellation of all College business-related international travel.
- Participation of Hanson staff in external public events and gatherings in the Ontario area is suspended until further notice.
- On-campus public events (Hanson hosted and those hosted by external parties) are suspended until further notice.
This information may change over time depending on the recent updates and developments. We will update the information as soon as it becomes available.
ABOUT COVID-19
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Corona viruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Some common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
HOW TO STAY SAFE?
- Getting expert advice: Since the beginning of the outbreak, we have been getting information from the BC Centre for Disease Control, the government of Canada’s Public Health Agency, and the BC Ministry of Education. We are following the advice of these experts so that we have the most appropriate response to ongoing changes. To ensure your safety, Hanson is doing even more than what is recommended.
- Cleaning protocols: We have enhanced cleaning protocols on our campuses. There are bottles of sanitizer and wipes in every room. Surfaces and doorknobs are being cleaned more frequently.
- Stay home if you are sick: All faculty, staff, and students who are sick are encouraged to stay home. Hanson will work with sick students to allow online study. Teachers can put class material on Schoology.
- Regular updates: Hanson is sending students regular email updates on this situation. When needed, we will change our response plan according to the advice of experts.
IF YOU HAVE TRAVELLED ABROAD
- There has been an increase in cases of COVID-19 in Iran, and as a result, there is now new direction for people who have travelled in Iran. If you have travelled recently in Iran, you are asked to self-isolate for a period of 14 days after your last day in Iran. This is similar to the advice for returning travelers from Hubei Province, China. These returning travelers are also asked to call TPH at 416-338-7600 within 24 hours of arriving in Canada.
- If you have travelled in mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Singapore, please monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after leaving the affected area. If you are making travel plans in the near future, please consult the Government of Canada website for current travel advice and advisories related to COVID-19. Some countries have entry and exit restrictions.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
- If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, please call your family doctor or Telehealth at Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For individuals, who have traveled in affected area, before you visit any health care provider, please call ahead to let them know about your travel history and symptoms. This will allow them to make special arrangements to see you quickly, provide testing, and ensure the use of proper infection control measures.
- This is also a good time for a reminder that we are still in the annual flu season. In addition to getting your annual flu shot, best practice for avoiding all respiratory illnesses include careful hand-washing, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, staying home when you are ill, not touching your face, and avoiding people who are ill.
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
For further information about COVID-19 is available through these health authority web links:
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
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