UCalgary suspends all travel to several countries and areas impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus)

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

After careful consideration of the risks to the campus community from travel to countries and areas experiencing community transmission of COVID-19, the University of Calgary has suspended all travel to the following areas for student and non-academic staff until September 2020:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Iran
• Italy
• South Korea
• Singapore

Academic staff are also being encouraged to avoid travel to these countries and areas.

Administration has already been in direct contact with several UCalgary students, faculty, and staff currently in these countries and have strongly suggested that they return to Calgary immediately, with the university’s support and assistance.

“Our decision was made after reviewing and assessing key medical information and updates from global health experts that advise against all nonessential travel to areas affected by the virus due to the potential health risks. We’re concerned for the safety and well-being of our campus community,” says Dru Marshall, provost and vice-president (academic), University of Calgary. “We are continually monitoring and will update the list of suspended countries and areas as required.”

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to visit the Risk Management and Insurance Travel website for updates or contact riskmgmt@ucalgary.ca with specific inquiries. The university’s Coronavirus website also has links to several informational resources and the most recent UToday news concerning the virus.

Travel abroad spring and summer 2020

For students who may be impacted, there are still a number of other opportunities to study in alternate countries this spring or summer. Please contact your Study Abroad adviser for more information and to make alternate arrangements.

How does this affect personal travel?

UCalgary is also advising anyone who has travelled to the countries listed above, to follow advice from Alberta Health Services, self-isolate, and inform your supervisor, manager, instructor or other relevant contacts. Also, if someone in your home is unwell, follow advice from Alberta Health Services, self-isolate and inform the appropriate individuals. People self-isolating and who do not have any symptoms, should expect to work or study at home for 14 days. Employees will continue to receive pay and benefits without interruption.

Emergency plans and supply shortage planning

The university has updated emergency plans and has also advised all departments and faculties to update their business continuity plans (BCPs) to be prepared in the event a public health emergency occurs locally.

We are also actively monitoring the potential impact the Coronavirus might have regarding possible supply shortage issues from China. UCalgary has plans in place to limit the impact should anything occur. To date, there have been no issues.

Additional coronavirus information resources

Please find additional resources regarding the Coronavirus including the situation in Alberta, Canada and Globally: Alberta Health Services, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the World Health Organization.

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.