The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert level to Phase 6, indicating that a global pandemic of the H1N1 influenza (human swine flu) is now underway. Human-to-human transmission of H1N1 has now been confirmed in a number of regions around the world.
The World Health Organization has also indicated that globally it has good reason to believe that the pandemic, at least in the early days, will be of moderate severity.
The University’s Pandemic Web page outlines pandemic planning measures in the York community and updates relating to the H1N1 flu.
Other resources to use:
- York University Emergency Preparedness Office – 416-736-5258
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York University Health Education & Promotion, Student Community & Leadership Development – 416-736-5144 or ext. 44176
- York University Occupational Health & Safety – 416-736-5491
Toronto Public Health continues to monitor information relating to the H1N1 influenza virus, which is currently circulating in Canada. The spread has not led to an emergency situation in York Region.
The York University administration also continues to actively monitor the influenza outbreak and maintains regular contact with local public health agencies.
York officials again encourage all community members, including students, faculty and staff, to practise proper hygiene by thoroughly washing and drying their hands, and by practising coughing etiquette – coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, NOT into your hands – to help to lessen the spread of germs.
Wall-mounted hand sanitizers have been installed throughout the University’s academic buildings and residences in areas of high pedestrian traffic to aid in these measures.
Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms is advised to stay home. In this case, community members are encouraged to contact their health care provider or call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
York University has a comprehensive pandemic management plan in place and information on the H1N1 influenza outbreak will continue to be posted on the University’s Pandemic Web page.