March 13 UPDATE: Information regarding COVID-19
Alberta is adopting aggressive new public health measures to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.
Effective immediately, the Alberta government is asking all large gatherings or international events in the province to be cancelled and advising Albertans against travel outside of the country.
In response to the Alberta government restrictions, effectively immediately St. Mary’s University is cancelling all events and gatherings until further notice. This will be in effect until the event ban is lifted.
This includes the Drama and Choir events, student parties, and events for external visitors to come on campus.
Note: classes are still happening and the campus will remain open.
How the University will respond if a confirmed diagnoses on campus:
Where a Faculty, Student or employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, the University is ready to take action to ensure the ongoing safety of the workplace. If the diagnosed individual previously worked in close proximity with others, those individuals will be required to be quarantined immediately. The University will arrange immediate sterilization and sanitization of the COVID-19-positive areas used before their diagnosis. All efforts will be made to ensure our workplaces do not present a danger of infection to other community members. The University will also be working closely with any relevant government authorities.
Students with flu-like symptoms:
Students who have any flu-like symptoms must stay home and are to notify and report these symptoms to their leader. We understand the pressure COVID-19 may place on the healthcare system, so employees will not require a doctor’s note for flu-like symptoms.
Students Returning From Countries of Concern:
Students returning from countries of concern must self-isolate for 14 days and work from home following their return and closely monitor their symptoms. If you are in a role that isn’t conducive to working from home, please work with your leader on possible reassignment activities or your paid leave options during this 14 day period.
Students wishing to voluntarily self-isolate:
Students who wish to voluntarily self-isolate due to COVID-19 (ie: Immune deficiencies etc.), are to notify the Registrar: marsha.kuchelema@stmu.ca.
Students who think they have been exposed to COVID-19
If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions. Once you have instructions from Health Link, please notify the Registrar and work on your studies from home if possible.
Resources available to all Students
Do not hesitate to use the abundant amount of support and resources the University has available to students: Counselling can be reached by text at 403-333-4292. If you are in distress, contact 24/7 call 403-266-HELP (4375). For additional information on COVID-19 and advice for the public, please visit the World Health Organization or Alberta Health Services sites.
Actions & Precautions:
We want to remember that it is flu season, and that we all need to take precautions regarding the spreading of any germs.
Upholding a Kind and Respectful Community:
It is essential for all of us to remember that we need to be respectful and kind to those around us who are heightened during this time, are currently unwell with a run of the mill cold that is not COVID-19 or who are support others who are impacted by COVID-19. Be cautious on any speculation and presumptions regarding colleagues wellness as we need to ensure we are at all times supportive and respectful in our communications and interactions.
