Concordia University says students who live in residence must move out by Sunday due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The post-secondary institution said it is seeking to protect the health of its community and individuals.
“We are working to identify those students unable to return to their homes,” the university said in a note to students late Wednesday.
“Accommodations will be provided to those who need it. This is not a decision we took lightly and understand the stress it is causing.”
Concordia said students are being asked to leave because it is difficult to maintain social-distancing measures while living in close quarters.
The university said its residences team is working with students to “assist in this transition” but that students must be packed up and out by end of the week.
“I want to be very clear students who can’t return home will be accommodated and that means they will get somewhere to stay and meals,” university spokesperson Vannina Maestracci said.
The decision comes as Quebec reported its first death linked to the virus on Wednesday. There are 94 people who tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus — up from 50 on Monday.
The provincial government has rolled out sweeping measures to contain the virus, including closing schools and universities for two weeks.
Concordia’s decision isn’t sitting well with some students, however.
“Some are panicking because they can’t go home,” said Rachel Harding, who lives in residence.
Computer science student Aman Vasani said he can’t return home to Uganda due to border closures amid COVID-19.
“I took the night to claim our bearings, start making phone calls and hopefully by today we can get something arranged,” he said.
McGill University isn’t forcing students to leave residences, but the institution is strongly urging students who can to return home.
“For those who cannot return home at this time, measures have been put in place to facilitate that students in residences adhere to the practice of social distancing and proper hygiene in accordance with the recommendations of public health,” said spokesperson Cynthia Lee in a statement.
— With files from Global News’ Brayden Jagger Haines
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