Image from U of L

By Connor Gunn

Three Alberta universities implementing new COVID measures for fall on-campus semester

Aug 17, 2021 | 3:18 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge are including rapid testing or vaccination, and masks as part of their fall back-to-school plan.

Alberta’s three research-intensive universities have established new protocols as part of a joint back-to-campus strategy for this fall.

The universities are “taking evidence-based approaches that are best suited to the campus context to protect the health and safety of our communities.”

All three universities will follow the same guidelines which include the following.

Rapid testing and vaccination:

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“Starting September 1, the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge will require all those coming to campus to undergo regular rapid testing. Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempt from this requirement.

Students, faculty, and staff who are not fully vaccinated, and those who would prefer not to disclose their vaccine status, will need to regularly complete a rapid screening test and receive a negative result before they participate in in-person activities.

Any individual who cannot be tested or vaccinated based on medical or other protected grounds recognized by the Alberta Human Rights Act can request an accommodation.

The research is clear. Vaccinations are highly effective against all known variants, especially for preventing severe disease. Vaccine clinics are being planned for campuses. Everyone is urged to become fully vaccinated as soon as possible if they want to be able to attend campus without having to complete ongoing rapid testing throughout the term.”

Face masks on campus:

“To promote a healthy and safe learning, working, and living environment, non-medical face masks must now be worn in all public indoor areas on University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge campuses where physical distancing is not possible.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) both formally recommend mask use indoors. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw also recommends mask usage to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Masks are not necessary to be worn on campus under the following circumstances:

• Working alone in private offices
• Working outdoors AND there is a minimum of 2 metres between people
• Meeting indoors and there is a minimum of 2 metres between people
• Working alone in a shared space
• Working in a cubicle with plexiglass, wall, or other approved barrier between people AND when not providing services to anyone
• In a classroom where there is a minimum of 2 metres between instructor or among students

Staying home when sick:

“The University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge will continue to require those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test to self-isolate.

Under provincial guidelines, anyone who has any of the following COVID-19 symptoms is required to isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Sore throat (adults only)
• Runny nose (adults only)

Staying home and taking care of yourself when sick is important for your health and reduces exposure to others.”

More information on the new measures at each of the universities can be found at ualberta.ca.