Updates for the U of A community, week ending August 13

Posted: August 13, 3:00 p.m.

Government of Alberta delays planned provincial transition; U of A to announce further measures next week 

Today, the Government of Alberta announced that after closely monitoring COVID-19 in Alberta and reviewing emerging evidence from other jurisdictions, the following provincewide protocols will continue until Sept. 27:

• Mandatory masking orders in publicly accessible transit, taxis and ride-shares.
• Mandatory isolation for 10 days for those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.
• Testing at assessment centres for any symptomatic individual.

The provincial government also provided new health guidance to address students’ safety and help K-12 school officials prepare for the new school year.

The U of A recognizes that we are in a rapidly changing environment and the urgent need to take further measures to reassure the university community and ensure a safe return to campus. We will be announcing these further measures next week.

Take the U of A’s COVID-19 vaccine survey

In preparation for our Fall term, we want to hear from our various community members on vaccination uptake. If you have not completed the survey yet, please complete this very short 3-question survey before the end of the day on Monday, Aug. 16. The data collected in this survey is anonymous and cannot be linked to individual respondents. We’ll share the results next week.

Tracing, sick protocols, and rapid response at the U of A

At the U of A, students, faculty and staff are required to stay home if sick. As part of the U of A’s rapid response plan, the U of A Triage Team will continue to work closely and confidentially with instructors, event hosts and managers to facilitate notifications to close contacts of positive cases of COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 sick procedures and rapid response »

Start of Term Health & Safety Guides available next week 

The Start of Term health and safety guides for Fall 2021 will be available from the Public Health Response Team by mid-next week. These quick reference documents will highlight the critical health and safety information and protocols that on-campus students, instructors and staff need to know this fall.

Student Services Reopening on Campus 

Beginning on Monday, August 16, student services and faculty offices across our campuses will begin reopening to in-person delivery. The hours of operation will vary over the coming weeks as we gradually reopen. Please touch base directly with the service you need to visit to confirm hours and services offered in-person. 

Library Reopening Plans

Library locations will start opening on August 16th. Library stacks and onsite services will be available. Please note that Curbside Pickup service will close August 13, and HathiTrust digital access will be unavailable as of August 15. The library website has location hours and more reopening details. 

Take Your Shot and Embrace a Fresh Start, Safely

Four students share their meaningful experiences administering COVID-19 vaccinations and encourage other students to get vaccinated. Learn more at YouAlberta. 

Information for instructors about transitioning to campus

We know that COVID-19 will shape the academic year ahead; this is why your safety and the safety of our students remains our top priority. Fall 2021 student and faculty experience planning groups have prepared recommendations for instructors that will provide you with tips and advice to help navigate the start of the fall term.

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.ca