UPEI Student Union launches $16K COVID-19 support fund for most vulnerable students
Applications for the fund are due Friday
With the aim of helping UPEI's most vulnerable students as the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the university's student union has established a $16,000 support fund.
The money has been taken from what was remaining in the student union's annual budget, said Emma Drake, the group's president.
Over the past couple of weeks, Drake said the group has observed many students being laid off from part-time jobs as a result of pandemic-related shutdowns.
As of Tuesday, she said about 200 people have applied for access to the fund. Students have until Friday to apply.
"Students are a vulnerable demographic," Drake said. "Students rely a lot on part-time shift work to pay for different costs."
To apply for the funding, Drake said students will be asked to share in a form how they've been impacted by COVID-19, how they intend to use the money and what their needs are.
The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has made it a difficult time to be a student, said Jody Park, a second-year international student at UPEI.
"I can't really focus on anything because I have to change all my plans for finals and figure out how I'm going to face the rest of this semester."
Drake said members of the student union will review the applications once the deadline is up. Students who apply will be eligible for funding between $150 and $500.
COVID-19: What you need to know
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Tiredness.
But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.
Health Canada has built a self-assessment tool.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.
How can I protect myself?
-
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
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Practise physical distancing.
More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.