Release Date: April 21, 2003
Media Contact: Barbara Pollock
E-mail: barbara.pollock@uregina.ca
Phone: (306) 585-5163
Fax: (306) 585-4997
University of Regina clarifies decision
Local community concerns about SARS and an inability to keep students together to facilitate monitoring for symptoms is the root of the University of Regina's decision to delay arrival of Hunan-based students.

University of Regina spokesperson Barbara Pollock responded to questions about the institution's plans to hold students in Vancouver. "We have never planned to quarantine our students nor have we requested that action be taken."

She said that the University believes health officials when they say that no discernible risk is taken by starting classes immediately in Regina. "We agree with health authorities in both Vancouver and Regina that self-monitoring is sufficient. However, we intend to help the students with that process. We cannot do that until the end of the month when a block of residence rooms becomes available. Meanwhile we are keeping our students together in Vancouver and enroute to Regina."