March 16, 2020

Individual associated with UCalgary tests positive for COVID-19

Message to campus community from President Ed McCauley
University of Calgary campus
University of Calgary campus

To all members of the University of Calgary community:

This afternoon the University of Calgary was made aware that a member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

This individual, who has not been on campus since March 9, was based in the science precinct of the university and their case is believed to be travel connected at this time. This individual did everything right: the moment they felt ill, they self-isolated and called 811 to be tested. As a result, they were not on campus while exhibiting symptoms. Communicable disease experts believe the risk of additional transmission was significantly reduced by these actions. Cleaning actions will further reduce transmission risk and we have closed the particular facilities associated with this individual until further notice.

I understand this might raise your level of concern for being on campus.

For students, we will accelerate our transfer of student services to alternate delivery. While we will try to ensure minimal disruptions, I ask that you be patient with us tomorrow as services transition.

For faculty and staff, we will support those of you who make the decision to work from home. If your work requires you to be physically present, we will provide extra training to enhance your safety and increase social distancing measures. We also support any decision made by those of you who are immunocompromised or who live with immunocompromised individuals to stay off campus. Please work with your supervisors on any such plans.

The best defence against COVID-19 continues to be the types of preventive measures available to all of us: wash your hands, avoid handshakes, cough into your arm and stay home when you are sick. COVID-19 will be with our community for the foreseeable future. By taking these measures and looking out for ourselves, we are looking out for each other and helping protect the most vulnerable among us.

UCalgary resources on COVID-19

For the most up-to-date information about the University of Calgary's response to the spread of COVID-19, visit the UCalgary COVID-19 Response website.