Doctoral students in medicine at Laval University will have to take their courses remotely until 1er next April, due to an outbreak of COVID-19.
Posted at 4:07 p.m.
Updated at 5:01 p.m.
“This decision was taken as a preventive measure,” explains the spokesperson for the educational establishment, Andrée-Anne Stewart, confirming at the same time that several cases of COVID-19 have been reported recently within the program, and this “following a social activity that took place off campus”.
According to Radio-Canada, it was more precisely during a wine and cheese evening bringing together more than 200 people, last Saturday at the Séminaire de Québec, that the virus was quickly transmitted. In total, the Université Laval doctoral program brings together approximately 230 people.
Mme Stewart says the decision to “switch classes” to virtual until early April is primarily to protect student health. That said, “all other activities at the Faculty of Medicine are taking place as usual, in compliance with the measures in force, including the wearing of the procedure mask”, recalls the spokesperson.
She ensures that the Ferdinand-Vandry pavilion, which houses the programs of the Faculty of Medicine, remains open. “Students from other programs, staff members and faculty can continue their activities in the presence,” she concludes.
All clinical rotations that were to take place by 1er next April will however be cancelled. Classes in class will be able to resume on April 4, after returning from the weekend.
Provincially, Quebec is currently experiencing a marked increase in COVID-19 cases, as Omicron’s more contagious subline, BA.2, now accounts for one in two infections in the province. For the time being, the wearing of the compulsory mask is maintained until mid-April.