(Vancouver, BC – 5th March 2020):  University Canada West (UCW) has received news of a presumptive case of COVID-19 with two students now in isolation. The University is taking proactive and precautionary steps by closing the campus and premises on Thursday March 5, Friday March 6, and Saturday March 7.

The University has identified one student as presumptive case of COVID-19. That student had been visited by their father who has positively been tested for COVID-19 upon visiting from overseas. The second student in isolation as a roommate of the other student.

As a precautionary measure, the University is suspending all on-campus classes until a full disinfection of all campuses has taken place, which includes a deep-clean of all public and back-office areas.

Students and staff who may have been in close contact with the affected students have been identified and contacted with information and advice.

Owing to these immediate actions taken by the University, the risk to students, staff and faculty remains low.  Business continuity plans have been enacted to take all possible precautions to ensure the health and safety of those involved with the University and the wider community.

As part of our continuity planning, courses will now be delivered to students online for the remainder of the week, with faculty keeping in touch with students to provide full details on coursework.

UCW remains committed to supporting our students to finish their term in the most positive and interactive way possible.

All of our programs continue as usual, with a brief period of remote online delivery. Students, their families, faculty and staff can be reassured about the continuity of UCW’s operations.

For more information about Coronavirus and COVID-19, please see the latest updates from the Government of Canada and the FAQ from the World Health Organization here.

All UCW Campuses are expected to re-open on Monday, March 9. We will update you as more information becomes available.

More information will be posted to our website and our Facebook page as it becomes available.