Jan 31

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Important Updates

Since the virus was confirmed on December 31 in Wuhan, China, five cases have been reported in Canada. It is important to note that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk as low for Canada and Canadian Travellers. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.

CBIE understands that the intense and frequent media coverage around the 2019 Novel Coronavirus can cause fear and confusion amongst our members and their students. Here are a number of sources that are currently available in English and French that will help you keep up to date with the latest developments and provide answers to any questions.

You can also follow Dr. Theresa Tam, the Chief Public Health Officer, on Twitter @CPHO_Canada for updates.

 Canada visa application centres (CVAC) in China

As of January 29th, VFS Global has announced that, in light of the current Coronavirus alert, Canada Visa Application Centres across China will remain closed until February 3, 2020. However, the re-opening of the centres may change, subject to further notifications from central, provincial and city authorities. Please visit vsfglobal.ca for further updates.

IELTS test arrangements

As of January 30, IELTS has suspended testing in Mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong. More information can be found on their website.

Taking into account the psycho-social impact of this virus, tolerance and empathy will be also be important in managing the fear around this situation. Learning from the lessons of the 2003 SARS outbreak and looking at the situation through a global lens will help prevent undue stigmatization against the Chinese community.

Guidance for Students

Government of Canada/Global Affairs Canada (February 3, 2020)

  • We are aware that a number of Chinese post-secondary institutions have deferred the start of their Spring semester as a precautionary measure to reduce incidence of potential transmission of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
  • Students who are currently participating in or preparing to start an exchange program in China are urged to contact their home and host educational institutions.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to inform themselves of the contingency measures being implemented by their home and host institutions, and the implications for their study and travel plans.
  • Individuals should regularly check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice for China on Travel.gc.ca for updates.
  • Global Affairs Canada remains in close contact with its education stakeholders regarding this situation.
  • Students who are recipients of a Government of Canada-funded scholarship should contact the scholarship administrator for more information.
Questions and Answers

 Will I be able to travel to China for my exchange?

  • Students preparing to undertake an exchange are urged to contact their home and host institutions without delay, to determine the implications of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak on their study and travel plans.
  • Students who are recipients of a Government of Canada-funded scholarship should contact the scholarship administrator for more information.

 I am scheduled to start an exchange in China soon. Can I defer? 

  • Students preparing to undertake an exchange are urged to contact their home and host institutions without delay, to determine the implications of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak on their study and travel plans and inform themselves of contingency measures being implemented.
  • Students are encouraged to discuss potential options and implications with their institutional advisors when taking a decision on their study and travel plans.
  • Students who are recipients of a Government of Canada-funded scholarship should contact the scholarship administrator for more information.
  • Individuals should regularly check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice for China on Travel.gc.ca for updates.
  • The decision to travel is a personal choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

Will I be able to return home from China?

  • The Government of Canada has chartered a flight from Wuhan to Canada for Canadian citizens looking to return to Canada. Find out more about Consular services and assistance for Canadians in China.
  • Canadians are asked to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service to stay connected to the latest information.
  • Canadian citizens in China requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to China at (86-10) 5139-4000 or call the department’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls are accepted where available). An email can also be sent to [email protected].