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COVID-19: What you need to know

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.

Are you prepared if academic programs need to be delivered on-line?

There have been no changes to classes and activities at McMaster. We will continue to be guided by recommendations from public health officials who currently advise that risk levels continue to be low and that no changes to activities are required. However, planning for any new advice or directives from Public Health is an important part of making sure we are able to support our students should any developments restrict access to campus.

There are a number of technologies available to help you in your planning.  There are also many people able to help you arrange orientation, consultation or support to use these technologies.

  • Echo360  – For livestreaming or pre-recording your lectures
    • Contact Campus Classroom Technologies at cct@mcmaster.ca or call ext. 22761 for support
  • MacVideo – For pre-recording your lectures directly in Avenue to Learn
  • Microsoft Teams – For livestreaming, use of back channels for Q&A or follow-up conversations, collaborative work, virtual office hours, and pre-recording of lectures, introduction & explainer videos.

All campus community members currently have access to Microsoft Teams

  • Contact UTS at uts@mcmaster.ca for support on how to set-up Microsoft Teams
    • Contact Christa Morrison, Digital Pedagogy Specialist at morric17@mcmaster.ca for support for how to use Microsoft Teams with your teaching
  • WebEx Meetings – For web and video conferencing to hold real-time lectures, virtual office hours, meet with groups of students or for students to collaborate with one another in small groups.

New travel advice

Global Affairs Canada has issued a new travel warning.  It is advising that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel.

The federal government continues to caution people to avoid all travel to Iran and Hubei province in China.  Avoid non-essential travel warnings continue for China and now extend to all of Italy.

Anyone who has returned from Iran or Hubei province in China in the last 14 days should stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in their home, for a total of 14 days from the date they left Hubei province or Iran. Contact Hamilton Public Health Services with 24 hours of arriving in Canada.

Returning travellers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea in the last 14 days should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after leaving China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore or South Korea.  Contact Hamilton Public Health Services if they develop any symptoms.

An inclusive McMaster community

McMaster is a diverse community that deeply values inclusion and respect.  As the world manages the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to remember that the virus is not connected to race but to geography.  Fear and misinformation surrounding the transmission of COVID-19 can make people feel uncertain and vulnerable and lead to harmful prejudicial remarks or attitudes.

McMaster’s commitment to inclusion and respect is even more important at times such as this and we remind students and employees that the Equity and Inclusion Office (equity@mcmaster.ca) is available to support any community members who may be experiencing harassment or discrimination.

Please go to our FAQ page for more information.

 COVID-19 Updates,  Faculty and staff,  Travel