Vancouver university shuts doors after student tests presumptive positive for COVID-19

VANCOUVER — A private university in downtown Vancouver has closed its doors for three days after two of its students may have been exposed to the new coronavirus.

A news release from University Canada West says the school was informed of a presumptive case of COVID-19 late Wednesday and it is taking precautionary steps by keeping the campus closed until Saturday.

The Visual College of Art and Design, which shares the building, is also closed. 

The university says the student with a presumptive case of the novel coronavirus was visited by the person’s father, who tested positive for COVID-19 after an overseas visit.

The release says the second student who is in isolation is a roommate.

It says students and staff who may have been in close contact with the affected students have been contacted and given advice.

The university says it is taking advice from the federal government and working closely with B.C. health authorities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2020.

The Canadian Press