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Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338 October 15, 2001 University Community urged to take precautions regarding suspicious letters/packagesIn light of recent media coverage concerning anthrax threat letters in the United States, Nancy Sullivan, vice-president (finance and administration) is reminding the University community of the steps that should be taken if you encounter any suspicious letters/packages and ways to detect suspicious letters/packages. If you or your staff become suspicious of a package or letter, please contact University Police immediately at extension 2000. If you are at a location other than the main Guelph campus, please contact your local police department immediately and then advise University Police at extension 2000. University of Guelph Police Mail Screening Checklist Staff responsible for incoming mail should maintain an awareness of the possibility of anthrax threat letters. This checklist outlines common features of anthrax threat letters:
For more information on handling suspicious mail, see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control web page. ( http://www.bt.cdc.gov/ ) The University Police suggest that all “junk mail” not be opened and be thrown away immediately. If you are not aware of who the sender of your mail is, do not open it. If you receive a letter or a note threatening anthrax contamination, remain calm. Any threatened use of biological agent must be treated as though it is real. If the suspected biological agent is reported as anthrax, be assured that it is NOT contagious, and that treatment is readily available if administered before the onset of symptoms. For more facts on anthrax, please refer to the CDC web site. What you should do if you come into contact/open a suspicious letter
What you should NOT do
What to do if you receive a threat by telephone
If you have any questions about these procedures, please call Keith McIntyre, director of security and services, at extension 2050. |