To all OSA students:
In the past few weeks there has been a lot of news about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the situation in Canada and here in Ottawa. I want to give you an update of what this means and how it will impact the Ottawa School of Art.
Our students’ and employees’ health is a top priority and we are taking precautionary measures to lessen the currently low public health risk with COVID-19. These include:
- Enhancing our cleaning procedures at both campuses
- Promoting everyday preventive behaviours with our staff and instructors
- Using a risk-informed decision-making process regarding OSA classes, as advised by the Government of Canada and the Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa. If the risk of the virus increases, classes may be postponed or cancelled but we will do our best to keep you informed of any changes.
In the meantime the school remains open and all our classes are running. Today, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) announced the second positive case in the City of Ottawa. I have been advised that these cases do not affect public schools such as OSA. OPH issues daily updates to the community, and I have included a link below. I wanted to share this information with you and let you know that OSA is actively monitoring the OPH website and will try to respond to any questions that you may have. In the meantime, I encourage you to stay informed.
Here are some resources you might find useful:
- Information on Hand Hygiene and this Handwashing
- Public Health Canada Coronavirus Fact Sheet
- Ottawa Public Health website
- Government of Canada Travel Advisories
- Talking to Children about Coronavirus
- Frequently Asked Questions
- March 12, 2020 – Statement from Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health, on COVID-19 situation in Ottawa
We will keep you informed with any related changes at OSA that may affect you. As a community, it will take our collective effort to manage this situation and minimize the spread of COVID-19. We will provide additional information as we receive it. I encourage you to review the links above and use the information there. As this situation evolves, OSA will keep you informed. The best advice for the moment is to be informed, practice common sense preventative measures and carry on with daily routines.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Jeff Stellick,
Executive Director
