Dear fellow students,

I am writing to you about the global pandemic, known as the coronavirus (COVID-19), that is now quickly spreading throughout Canada and the world. There are twenty-one confirmed cases of coronavirus in Quebec. As a result of pre-cautionary measure, all in-class instruction has been cancelled until March 30.

I have been in contact with the University President and the Dean of Students to do my part in ensuring the safety of our student body and to make sure that students are able to complete their courses and graduate on time.

If you are worried, I have some good news. While other places in the world are suffering immensely, Quebec has made a wise decision to prepare.

We must slow down and stop the spread of the virus. The responsibility to protect ourselves and others (the most vulnerable) is one you must take seriously. If we all do our part, we can save lives.

Here is how you can do your part to protect yourself and keep others safe:
Most important: stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands all the time with soap and warm water for minimum 20 seconds. You should count the 20 seconds. The virus can live on some hard surfaces, such as metal and plastic, for up to 27 hours.
If you can’t find soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid close and/or physical contact with people as much as possible.
Concordia University has made a commitment to bring classes online by March 23 and is taking measures to ensure exam period ends when it should. As of this time, it appears that students will be able to complete their semester according to schedule and graduate on time.

We will keep you, the students, updated on Concordia’s progress and should there be any issues, we assure that the Concordia Student Union will be there to fight for your right to graduate and your health protection.

Lastly, I must report that the Concordia Student Union’s offices are closed. However, our employees are still working remotely from home in order to help students as much as they can with limited resources and information. You can continue to reach our services at the following emails. Our service managers will be doing all they can to provide services in these uncertain times.

Advocacy Centre: advocacy@csu.qc.ca
Daycare & Nursery: info@csudaycarenursery.com
Housing and Job Bank: hojo@csu.qc.ca
Legal Information Clinic: legalclinic@csu.qc.ca

You can reach our front desk for general inquiries at the email below:
contactus@csu.qc.ca

Our front desk will not be able to answer questions regarding the coronavirus. We encourage students to check the official Concordia F.A.Q. often to stay informed. If you have any further questions please call the Quebec helpline:

Concordia FAQ: https://www.concordia.ca/covid19info.html
Quebec helpline: 1-877-644-4545

For the safety of our students, the Concordia Student Union is following the instructions of the university and the government and cancelling and/or postponing all events. All CSU clubs have been instructed to do the same.

Sincerely,

Christopher Kalafatidis
General Coordinator of your student union