Updates for the U of A community, week ending June 18

Staying the Course this Summer | Vaccination Update for International Travellers to Canada | Ventilation on Campus | And More

18 June 2021

Posted: June 18, 3:40 p.m.

Staying the Course this Summer

This afternoon Alberta announced that stage 3 of their "open for summer" plan will start on July 1. While this will remove public health restrictions at the provincial level, Summer 2021 at the university is expected to remain as originally planned.

This means that the Summer 2021 term will remain as originally scheduled (check Bear Tracks to confirm if your courses will be remote or in-person), and that for now everyone currently working from home will continue to do so until notified otherwise.

The phased entry to our campuses will begin for employees in August and will continue throughout the Fall term. As we’ve shared before, Fall 2021 will see more than 80% of our community active on our campuses, with supports provided for those unable to attend as a result of the pandemic. Plans are well underway to ensure that the whole of our community will be able to participate in the Fall semester as fully and safely as possible. More details about the Fall 2021 will be shared next week.

During the summer, as our spaces slowly re-open, masks and physical distancing will still be required on all U of A campuses until further notice.

Vaccination & Quarantine Update for International Travellers to Canada

Health Canada and Alberta Health Services have provided updated guidance regarding international travellers coming to Canada with regards to vaccinations and quarantine requirements. International students who are planning to travel to Canada are encouraged to explore vaccine options with the health authority in their home country to confirm if their vaccine is Health Canada-approved and to plan for a full 14 day quarantine when they arrive in Canada.

Learn more, including how International students can access COVID-19 vaccinations on North Campus and in Alberta, by visiting the “Guiding Information: International Travel and Vaccinations” information on the University Health Centre vaccine webpage.

Take Your Shot and Get Fully Vaccinated

Get each of your shots when you can!

Vaccination bookings for both first and second doses can now be made in Alberta. The booking schedule for second doses is based on the timing of your first dose:

First Dose Received

Second Dose Bookings Start

Before May 30

Available to schedule now

June

Available to book 4 weeks after your first dose


People who are profoundly immunocompromised and meet the eligibility criteria can book their second doses earlier.

Second doses boost our immunity and provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 and the identified variants. While first doses are a step towards limiting the impacts of COVID-19, the second dose is needed to experience the full benefits of available vaccines.

Learn more about getting vaccinated on North Campus here.

(Includes information about vaccines available through the University Health Centre and the UHC Pharmacy.)

For information about off-campus vaccination bookings, visit the Alberta Health Services website.

Ventilation & HVAC Update

The university continues to prioritize the safety of our entire community during COVID-19. With more staff, students, faculty and visitors returning to campus in the coming months, it is important to know that our university building ventilation systems are continually monitored and adjusted to keep us safe.

In support of this, Facilities and Operations continues to monitor emerging information and modifying systems as needed to ensure U of A buildings remain safe. Any adjustments to our systems are made in accordance with APPA - Leadership in Educational Facilities, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Health Canada, Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services.


General inquiries: U of A Public Health Response Team, phrtinfo@ualberta.ca

COVID-19 Rapid Response support for on-campus supervisors, instructors and activity coordinators: U of A Rapid Response Triage Team, phrt.triage@ualberta.