McMaster takes precautions while awaiting student’s coronavirus test results

McMaster continues to take precautions while awaiting the results from a student being tested for COVID-19.

Additional information indicates that while the test results were anticipated to be received earlier in the weekend, they may not be available until early in the week. The student had travelled to Italy during the February Reading Week.

The university has decided to be very cautious as the student was on campus once last week before going into self-isolation.

“We are a community and we think now is the time for an abundance of caution,” said Roger Couldrey, McMaster’s vice-president Administration. “We believe this is what our students, their parents and our employees would want us to do.”

The student was on campus Tuesday, February 25th and visited the Burke Science Building.  While health officials have said that regular cleaning should suffice, as a precaution, McMaster is undertaking extra cleaning on level one and all public spaces.

“It is important that people have the confidence that the area is clean,” added Couldrey. “We would rather err on the side of caution until we receive confirmation about the student.”

If the student does test positive for the virus, public health officials will be responsible for contacting those who need additional information or other follow up that may need to occur.

Since the COVID-19 virus first emerged, public health has reminded people about the importance of monitoring their health, especially if they have travelled to affected areas.  Hand washing is still considered the most effective method to protect yourself and anyone who does feel unwell is asked to stay home.

People are encouraged to continue to monitor the Daily News and the university’s social media channels for future updates.