TORONTO, July 4, 2003 -- This note contains updated information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) for York University students, faculty and staff. The University’s summer academic session is proceeding as scheduled. 

General Information

To date, there are no reported cases of SARS at York. Health officials continue to advise the public to be conscious of health and personal hygiene as the potential remains for new cases of the disease to arise. SARS symptoms include muscle aches and pains, headache, fever (greater than 38 °C or 100.4 °F) AND respiratory symptoms, including dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

If you have a headache or general malaise that is unusual, the Ontario Ministry of Health advises that you should stay at home and away from large gatherings for 48 hours, and you should check your temperature every four hours. This is especially advised if this condition is accompanied by a cough or sore throat. If your symptoms have abated after 48 hours, you may return to normal activities.

For anyone who is currently in quarantine, you must adhere to the Toronto Public Health requirements and remain at home until you have completed the required 10-day period in quarantine.

It is important to remember that Ontario's Commissioner of Public Health has indicated the risk of contracting SARS remains low. To date, no cases of SARS have been reported from the York community. The University working group will ensure students, faculty and staff receive ongoing accurate and timely information. If you have further questions, please refer to the following: SARS Questions-and-Answers for visitors to York.

Information about SARS is being continually updated by various public health organizations and officials. For up-to-date information on the illness, risk factors, quarantine criteria, means of avoiding infection, travel advisories and other related issues, please refer to the following Web sites, or contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, Ontario's Health information line at 1-888-668-4636, or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

City of Toronto Public Health

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Health Canada 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

Deferring exams due to illness

Travellers returning from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan or Vietnam are being asked to observe the precautions requested by Health Canada. If they experience symptoms within 10 days of their return they are asked to isolate themselves and contact public health authorities. In the absence of symptoms, they may continue with their activities.

Anyone planning travel abroad should consult the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site for the latest travel advisories. And people returning from certain countries should consult the Health Canada travel advisory or Centers for Disease Control Web sites.

The University continues to follow this issue closely. Please check this Web site for updated information.

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