McMaster takes further precautions against threat of COVID-19

McMaster University said Thursday (March 5) that they have asked instructors to consider other methods of delivering courses to students.

McMaster University said Thursday (March 5) that they have asked instructors to consider other methods of delivering courses to students.

On their website, the university said that as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread across the globe, teachers, staff and students may want to take advantage of some of the school’s online resources.

“It is important that faculty members and instructors consider their options to expand the ways they provide course programs to students,” Mac said on their website.

“The university provides faculty, staff, and students with many options for incorporating online methods of teaching that facilitate access off campus, complement in-class teaching, and enhance the learning experience.”

Last week, the reality of the coronavirus outbreak visited McMaster’s West Hamilton campus after a student who had recently returned from Italy had to be tested for the virus after developing flu-like symptoms.

On Monday, the results from the test came back negative.

The university said that while the risk of infection in Canada still remains low, they want to ensure that any potential disruptions to coursework remain minimal.

“We want to provide supports that will allow you to be flexible in the face of unexpected events.”

On Wednesday, McMaster announced that their Risk Management Policy regarding student travel had been triggered by recent travel advisories to Iran, Northern Italy and China, where Global Affairs Canada has deemed that all non-essential travel should be avoided.

“The policy restricts undergraduate student exchanges, placements and official trips to the country,” the notice on the university website says.“Such trips will no longer be permitted until the risk level is lowered by the federal government.”

Graduate students who need to travel to those regions for academic purposes will be considered on a ‘case-by-case basis.