Updates on classes, gatherings, campus resources, travel and child care

Classes and exams

All McMaster in-person classes for undergraduate and graduate students were suspended effective end of day on March 13. In-person exams have also been cancelled.

Faculty, instructors and sessional faculty are working with their chairs, directors and deans and will be in touch with students by Wednesday March 18^th to let them know how the remainder of their courses will be managed and grades assessed so that they can complete their credits within the normal timeframe of the winter term.

The University is open

Access to residences, libraries and food services and other university services and offices continue to be available.

Research labs, facilities and programs continue to operate and other services and offices will continue to function.

Human resources has updated a number of resources for supervisors and employees. Please review these documents for additional information to help answer questions about a variety of topics including hours of work and support for all employees.

New travel advice from the government of Canada

The federal government has advised all Canadians to avoid any non-essential travel outside of Canada and is urging all Canadians currently outside the country to try to return to Canada while travel options are still available.

Upon return to Canada:

• Self-isolate for 14 days after your return from travel outside of Canada. Some provinces and territories may have specific recommendations for certain groups such as health care workers.
• Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.

If you develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days:

• Continue to isolate yourself from others
• Immediately call a health care professional or public health authority and:
  • describe your symptoms and travel history
  • follow their instructions carefully

In addition, if you return from Italy, Iran, or Hubei province (China) you will be asked to contact the public health authority in the province or territory where you live or are staying within 24 hours of arriving in Canada and to provide your contact information.

Government of Canada novel coronavirus information line: 1-833-784-4397

Canadians who are abroad should sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad.

Discretionary Events and large group gatherings

Public Health officials in Ontario have advised that any group gathering of more than 250 people should not be held.

At McMaster, all discretionary events of any size are cancelled until at least the end of April.

Please review the FAQs on the university’s COVID-19 website for additional information to help decide if you should cancel or postpone an upcoming event.

Child care supports for parents and caregivers

With the decision from the Ontario government to close all publicly funded schools across the province for two weeks following March Break many private schools and daycares are doing the same.  We understand the challenges this may create with childcare.

During this time, McMaster will support flexible work arrangements if viable, and encourages employees to discuss their needs with their supervisor.  Employees are not to bring their children into the workplace, as per Risk Management Manual 113: Children in the Workplace.