COVID-19 update and USask response

Our efforts at the University of Saskatchewan are focused on ensuring the health and safety of our campus community, while minimizing disruptions for students and staff.

While the risk of COVID-19 to Saskatchewan residents remains low, a cross-campus working group has been meeting regularly since January to review the university’s emergency management plan, as well as protocols and procedures should they be needed.

As of March 11, 2020, there are no laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province, and as such the University of Saskatchewan continues to operate as usual. Should that change, it will be under the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which are closely monitoring this situation.

UPDATE: March 12, 2020:

While Saskatchewan has recorded its first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the University of Saskatchewan continues to operate as usual. Should that change, it will be under the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which are closely monitoring this situation.

Should our operations need to change, we will do so with as little disruption to our students as possible. We are currently considering remote and online learning methods and other teaching strategies that do not require in-person classrooms, and looking at alternative options for exams should we need them. We are also looking at options that enable our employees to work from home if necessary.

To further protect our campus community, we have implemented a number of decisions related to travel. The new travel requirements, and other helpful information related to COVID-19, is available online at usask.ca/updates. At this time, prevention remains the best way to protect yourself, and posters outlining the best tips have been circulated throughout campus.

All of this planning will enable us to act quickly if necessary.

Please continue to take these recommended precautions that can help prevent illness and transmission:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Sneeze into your sleeve or elbow and throw away soiled tissues as soon as possible, followed by hand washing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Stay home if you are sick
• Make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date
• Avoid contact with people who are sick

I understand this is a time of uncertainty and concern, but please be reassured by our planning process in this situation, and know that the health and safety of our campus community is our top priority. 

Peter Stoicheff
President and Vice-chancellor
University of Saskatchewan