McMaster’s new COVID-19 information website

McMaster continues to monitor developments around COVID-19. The University’s preparations and response is coordinated by its Crisis Management Team which began meeting on the coronavirus in January.

The University looks to Global Affairs Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada along with public health agencies in Ontario to guide its decisions in working to maintain the health and safety of campus. 

The risk of contracting COVID-19 in Canada is still considered to be low.

McMaster classes and activities continue to run as normal.

Positive COVID-19 test at Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton

Hamilton Health Sciences has confirmed that a physician has tested positive for COVID-19. The hospital has implemented a host of actions aimed at ensuring the safety of staff, physicians and patients. The physician is currently in self-isolation at home but had seen patients and interacted with colleagues and staff on the afternoon of March 9^th.

All those individuals who were in the hospital clinic are being contacted and Public Health, in collaboration with the hospital, is in touch with all those who were in direct contact with the physician and who need to go into self-isolation at home. Others are being contacted who may have had indirect exposure and are being asked to self-monitor for any symptoms.

More information can be found at the hospital website at https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/

Advice for supervisors – help answering employee questions

A new guide for supervisors offers helpful advice for what they need to know about COVID-19 and the workplace. The guide can be found here: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/coronavirus-2019-covid-19/

New information for McMaster students about international travel

The evolving global situation surrounding COVID-19 has raised many questions from students with travel plans for a variety of countries. With government travel warnings changing frequently, McMaster has decided to end all undergraduate and graduate student international travel for McMaster-related activities. This decision takes effect immediately.

Graduate students with specific circumstances can request a waiver. Such waivers need the written approval of either the provost or the vice-provost, International.

Students who are already on exchange or doing fieldwork or have a placement in another country should be in touch with their university supervisor to discuss any concerns they may have including whether they wish to return earlier than planned.

Students choosing to return to campus should follow all of the travel warnings and guidance provided through Global Affairs Canada. Students travelling for university-related activities also have access to International SOS which provides assistance and information to travellers on university business.

International Travel

Global Affairs Canada is the best source for the latest travel information and advice. McMaster faculty and staff are reminded to monitor Global Affairs for any travel restrictions as well as any conditions being imposed on Canadians entering other countries or transiting through countries to their destination. Please continue to monitor the site if you are away as conditions may change. Faculty and staff should carefully consider any international travel and the potential for any restrictions that might occur while they are in another country.

New website for McMaster COVID-19 information

A new website for McMaster students, faculty and staff was launched on March 11. It provides additional information and links to key resources. There are specific FAQ sections for students and faculty and staff and these are designed to answer a variety of questions that have been received.

Information on the site will continue to be updated as university decisions are made and new information is available.  The site also includes new videos featuring McMaster experts with helpful information to help you stay healthy.

You can link to the new website through the Daily News or directly at https://covid19.mcmaster.ca/