Information about coronavirus and how to stay healthy this winter

Most recent update: February 25 -We continue to monitor reports on the evolving outbreak, originating in Wuhan, China, of Coronavirus COVID-19 that can cause acute upper respiratory illness and pneumonia.

As of February 25, KFL&A Public Health is asking all travellers from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Iran and Northern Italy, in particular the town of Codogno and surrounding towns, to monitor themselves for symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, headache) for 14 days. If you develop any symptoms of respiratory illness within 14 days of leaving those countries/areas, please contact KFL&A Public Health at 613 549 1232, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30 pm for further assessment, You can also call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 24/7. 

All travellers from China’s Hubei Province (including Wuhan) are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days after their departure from that affected area. This means staying away from others and contacting KFL&A Public Health within 24 hours of arrival to this area. Learn more. 

Individuals with fever, and/or cough or difficulty breathing, AND who have travelled to China in the 14 days before symptoms started OR who have had close contact with someone with a confirmed or probable case of Coronavirus COVID-19, OR who have had close contact with someone who has acute respiratory illness who has been to China within 14 days of the onset of their symptoms, should be assessed at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, KGH Emergency Department (King St. entrance).

Students who meet the criteria above should contact KFL&A Public Health at 613 549 1232, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30 pm or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000, 24/7) for advice.

Visit the university's webpage with complete, updated information about its response to COVID-19. 

On February 5, Principal Patrick Deane, and the Alma Mater Society issued a statement after some students held a coronavirus-themed party. This followed an earlier statement from the Principal calling for unity, respect, and an end to the ostracizing of Chinese and Asian students out of fear or lack of knowledge about the virus. For facts about Coronavirus COVID-19, the outbreak, and recommended precautions, please visit the Government of Canada’s Public Health website and the World Health Organization’s website. In addition, this handout provides information about the novel coronavirus in three languages.

As it’s flu season, there are several steps you can take to stay healthy this semester. To help prevent illness and the spread of infections: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid sharing personal items, including eating and drinking utensils
• Clean hard surfaces in shared spaces with disinfectant
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Get the flu shot – free – at Student Wellness Services. Call 613 533 2506 to book your appointment.

If you get sick:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw out the tissue right away, and wash your hands 
• Avoid close contact with others
• Rest 
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of liquids

Download our “Stop Germs” and “Handwashing” posters here

Common cold and flu symptoms typically last 7-10 days. If your symptoms persist or worsen, come in to a walk-in clinic, or go to the Hotel Dieu Hospital Urgent Care Clinic (open 8am-8pm) or KGH Emergency (24/7).