McMaster asks instructors to consider online teaching options over COVID-19 fears

McMaster University is askinginstructors to start consideringdeliveringlessons online as the school continues to monitor the outbreak of coronavirus.

Among the alternatives to traditional, in-class teaching arepre-recordingorlivestreaminglessons.

Those tools can be used to "facilitate access off campus, complement in-class teaching, and enhance the learning experience," the updatereads, adding staff are in place to support anyone contemplating a change.

"We want to provide supports that will allow you to be flexible in the face of unexpected events."

The update comes after McMaster reported a student, who was in self-isolation with flu-like symptoms after a trip to Italy, tested negative for COVID-19.

Public health officials say more than a dozenother people in Hamilton have been similarly tested for the coronavirus with negative results. They say the risk to Canadians remains low.

Health officials in Quebec announced apresumptive coronavirus caseof COVID-19 early Thursday morning. If confirmed, it would be the second case in the province and the 35th case in Canada with most cases in Ontario and B.C.

McMaster noted that due to travel advisories from Global Affairs Canada the university's risk assessment policy has been triggered, meaning undergraduate trips and placements in affected areas are no longer permitted.

"Graduate students who wish to travel to China, Iran or northern Italy for academic purposes will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require the approval of either the provost or the vice-provost, International," it stated.

Some international conferences are also being cancelled, resulting in a change in plans for students and staff, said the university.

It'surgingfaculty and staff to book flexible airfare, but said the cost of travel cancellations connected to COVID-19 will be reimbursable.

Other post-secondary institutions in the area are also keeping students up to date on coronavirus.

Like McMaster, Mohawk College, Brock University and Niagara College all have dedicated teams monitoring COVID-19.

Niagara College says it's adding hand sanitizer stations at both of its campuses and sharing information on hand washing and "cough etiquette" to cut down on the spread of germs

Meanwhile, Mohawk is asking students and faculty who have a cough, runny nose, fever or nausea to stay home until they feel well.