Learners from Canadian Medical Schools Taking Electives at U of T
March 6, 2020
Acute Respiratory Infection (Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCov) Important Information
It is government policy in Ontario that health care providers working at Ontario clinical sites refrain from coming in to work should they present symptoms that may be attributable to a person-to-person transmittable acute infection. This includes any of the following symptoms, which may be attributable to acute respiratory infection:
fever
cough
shortness of breath
other respiratory symptoms
While the risk of Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCov in healthcare workers with recent travel to affected areas* is very low, it is important that all countries take a precautionary approach to this serious virus. As such, it is imperative that learners monitor themselves for symptoms which are compatible with acute respiratory infection, and that they report any such symptoms immediately, should they emerge.
If you develop symptoms of an acute respiratory infection within 14 days of arriving or returning to Canada:
Stay home. Do not present for work at your clinical site.
Advise your supervisor and/or Medical Education Office at the hospital you are assigned by phone or e-mail that you must remain at home, and that you will be following the directives of the hospital's Infection Control Team.
Please be aware that at the time of elective registration, even if asymptomatic, you may be screened at the Occupational Health Office of your clinical site. If you have traveled outside Canada or have been in close contact with someone who is symptomatic and has traveled outside Canada within the last 14 days, you may not be permitted to proceed with clinical activities.
Visiting North American Electives Program Undergraduate Medical Education MD Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
