Students
The University has revised its academic continuity plan in order to minimize the effects that a widespread outbreak of the flu and, as such, large-scale student absences would have on normal academic activities.
For now, the University's regular policies and procedures continue to apply. The University is watching developments closely and, if needed, policies and regulations may be adjusted for added flexibility.
In addition, as circumstances dictate, the University will implement its guidelines regarding academic activities if an outbreak at the University of Ottawa occurs. The guidelines would come into effect by a University decree, issued strictly in response to an H1N1 breakout on campus.
Message to students from Public Health Ottawa
Students' responsibilities
Students who believe they have the flu should do the following:
- avoid all contact with others and stay in isolation, and
- call Telehealth Ontario for advice at 1-866-797-0000 (ATS : 1-866-797-0007),
- Quebec residents contact Infosanté at 8-1-1,
- fill in the self-declaration form posted above.
Students living in residence
The University will keep interaction between sick and healthy students to a minimum. In addition, it will provide sick students in residence with a special kit that includes hand sanitizer, wipes, tissues and a surgical mask. Finally, Food Services will deliver meals to these students rather than having them visit the cafeteria.
In order to prepare for a possible H1N1 outbreak at the University of Ottawa, Housing and Conventions Service has taken several preventive measures. Below is a summary of these measures:
- Information session for all Housing, residence life and DMS staff provided by a nurse from the City of Ottawa’s Public Health unit.
- Awareness training session on use of personal protective equipment with a review of hygiene guidelines including cough and sneeze etiquette.
- Installation of hand sanitizers by the elevators on each floor of the residences and at the entrance of the apartment-style residences.
- Posting signs on bulletin boards on each floor that read "Ottawa Health is in your hands."
- Posting signs in all bathrooms that read "Hand washing" (to be done by end of the week or early next week).
- Purchase and preparation of flu kits for ill residents (masks, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes and tissues).
- Purchase and preparation of personal protective equipment for the residence life community advisors (mask, surgical gloves and hand sanitizers).
- Develop and print instruction cards for each kit.
- Develop a protocol for community advisors on how to respond to individuals with flu-like symptoms.
- Developing a protocol for reception staff (currently being developed).
- Provide "Are You Ready Passport" from Public Health for distribution to residents.
- Community advisors to encourage a buddy system.
- Update the Rez guide on the Web to include a section on medical emergencies and what to bring.
- Provide contact information to all staff.
- Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007
- If Telehealth suggests you see a physician, the University of Ottawa Health Services Clinic is located at 100 Marie Curie. For severe symptoms, go to the hospital.