Updates for the U of A community, week ending October 9

This week’s edition includes information on: new voluntary public health measures in Edmonton; World Mental Health Day; updated travel info for international students; and, a U of A sick protocols flowchart.

09 October 2020

Posted: October 9, 4:00 p.m.

New voluntary public health measures for Edmonton 

Yesterday, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced new voluntary safety measures for Edmonton, directing residents and visitors to:

  • Keep family and social gatherings small - no more than 15 people.
  • Wear a mask in all indoor work settings, except when alone in a workspace like an office or cubicle where you are safely distanced from others, or an appropriate barrier is in place.
  • Limit cohorts to no more than 3: your core household, your school, and one other sport or social cohort.

The new measures are in response to a rapid rise in active COVID-19 cases in the Edmonton health zone. The U of A Public Health Response Team encourages our community members in Edmonton to be active participants in these new measures. 

Self-care and mental health support 

In honour of World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), we encourage you to take a moment to check-in with yourself and your loved ones. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, so do not hesitate to reach out for supports, to practice self-care, and/or to extend a compassionate ear to a friend, peer, or family member. Resources are available if you, or someone you know, is struggling or just needs a little extra support:  

Support for students  Support for employees and their families

Or, learn more about student mental health during COVID-19 from this Mental Health Commission of Canada guide — aussi disponible en français.

Updated travel info now available for international students

Last week, the Government of Canada announced an update on travel restrictions for international students. Canadian institutions with approved official COVID-19 readiness plan, such as the U of A, can welcome international students to Canada starting October 20 as long as they have secured final stage 2 approval on their study permit application. As part of the U of A’s approved COVID-19 readiness plan students must fulfill the mandatory quarantine requirements by booking UAlberta's Isolation Accommodation Program OR having a quarantine plan approved by the institution and registering with the Travel Registry before travelling to Canada. Learn more about the latest updates.

New flowchart to guide through sick protocols

There is a new U of A health screening flowchart available to help guide students, instructors, staff, supervisors and their advisors through the COVID-19 assessment and sick protocol process. For additional information, please see the U of A Rapid Response Plan.