The health and well-being of DSBN students and staff is important to us. That’s why we are giving you an update on the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus. The Wuhan Novel Coronavirus is a flu-like virus which originated in China; cases have been reported in other parts of the world. There are two confirmed cases in Canada at this time. There are no confirmed cases in Niagara as of the writing of this letter.

Human Coronaviruses are common throughout the world and can cause mild, moderate or severe respiratory illness. Symptoms of the virus have included fever, cough and difficulty breathing. We continue to monitor this situation closely along with our provincial and federal public health colleagues, and plans are in place to respond as this situation changes.

While there are no reported cases in Niagara, Public Health advises to reduce the risk of any flu type illness with the following:

• Get a yearly flu vaccination, available from clinics and pharmacies
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• If your child is sick, keep him or her home

Public Health has asked individuals who return from recent international travel and become ill with respiratory signs and symptoms to voluntarily report their travel history to any health professional, or emergency department staff, when they visit.

Niagara Public Health Fact Sheet
Ontario Ministry of Health